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Committee reviews clean‑needle technique, single‑use needle rules and calls for updated training materials
Summary
The California Acupuncture Board Licensing Committee discussed possible updates to clean‑needle technique (CNT) training and materials, including calls for more frequent refresher training, updated CNT manuals and enforcement of single‑use needle rules; stakeholders urged collaboration on updated guidance and more accessible CNT continuing‑ed.
The Licensing Committee discussed clean‑needle technique (CNT) requirements, infection‑control guidance and education standards at length, with stakeholders urging the board to update its CNT guidance and encourage more routine refresher training.
Lede
Public commenters, educators and board staff discussed single‑use needle policy, the condition of CNT training materials and whether periodic refresher training should be required. Several educators and clinicians argued the nationally used CNT manual is dated and that California should consider an updated, higher‑standard CNT curriculum.
What was said
Board staff displayed and read the relevant Business and Professions Code and California Code of Regulations excerpts and pointed attendees to the CNT curriculum references. Legal counsel read the regulation about single‑use needles aloud: “An acupuncturist shall use needles labeled for single use only … It shall constitute unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use a needle more than once,” citing federal device rules referenced in the regulation.
Commenters, including educators and clinic directors, urged the board to require refresher CNT coursework and more robust clinical competency checks. Ron Zaidman (5 Branches University) described large university clinics that rely on student‑run free clinics and argued for updated CNT resources and clearer training paths for graduates. Several commenters described clinic observations (hand washing, disinfection and autoclave use) they said need stronger oversight and clearer enforcement channels.
Calls for an updated national or California CNT manual
Farshid Namin (educator) and others said the CNT manual in common use is outdated on specific sterilization and disinfection procedures and does not reflect newer infection‑control knowledge. Several speakers urged the board and California schools to collaborate with accrediting bodies to produce or endorse a more current CNT manual and to encourage schools and continuing education providers to use it.
Board clarifications and next steps
Staff noted that the board currently references the Council of Colleges’ CNT material and that the board could encourage or help coordinate updated training content. The legal counsel and staff also explained the complaint process and that the board can investigate clinic hygiene complaints once a complainant provides evidence. Several public speakers pressed for clearer, easier complaint reporting and for schools and accreditors to address clinic practice standards.
Ending
No regulatory change was adopted at the meeting. The committee asked stakeholders to work together on improved CNT materials and training, and staff said the board would consider outreach and possible policy options to encourage periodic CNT updates and better public‑facing complaint information.
