Board approves new hand‑hygiene language to align with CDC and CDPH guidance

The California Acupuncture Board voted to rescind previously approved proposed text (2014 and 2018 drafts) and approve newly drafted regulatory language updating hand‑hygiene requirements in Division 13.7, Article 5, section 1399.451 of title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. The new language is intended to align the board’s treatment‑procedures regulation with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance.

Staff summarized the changes: the regulation would explicitly permit use of an alcohol‑based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled or contaminated, require the alcohol concentration be at least 60 percent, permit alcohol‑based rubs as an alternative to soap and water when used according to manufacturer instructions, and retain a 20‑second soap‑and‑water requirement when hands are visibly soiled. Staff said the package had been revised to resolve alignment and clarity issues identified by the Department of Consumer Affairs’ regulation unit.

During public comment, some clinicians said they prefer soap and water or were concerned about skin dryness and sensitivity to alcohol; staff and board members emphasized the regulation allows soap and water when appropriate and that gloves and other alternatives remain options in clinical practice. The board approved a motion to submit the draft text to the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for review, to authorize the executive officer to proceed with non‑substantive edits and to initiate rulemaking if no adverse comments are received.