The modalities practiced by AAs require specific training and oversight in order to protect patient safety. The Board recognizes that an increasing number of states are recognizing AAs and hopes that national exams and educational standards will be developed. However, without these in place, it recognizes the need to evaluate and approve programs of training on a State level.

The Board is working with acupuncturists and other stakeholders throughout the State of Arizona to develop rules prior to the legislative deadline of January 1, 2024, as stated in Laws 2022, chapter 23, section 8. This Substantive Policy Statement will develop temporary training guidelines until those rules can be promulgated.

The Board approves the following programs for the training of AAs:

A. Having passed a certification exam for AAs provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM);

B. Having taken and passed a program of training in auricular acupuncture approved by the Board along with four (4) hours of training in moxibustion and four (4) hours of training in herbs;

C. Having taken and passed a program of training as an AA provided by an accredited college or university;

D. Being currently enrolled in a Board-approved program of acupuncture designed to prepare the student to become a licensed acupuncturist; or

E. Having taken and passed a program of training provided by a licensed acupuncturist.

To apply for approval under item (e) above, a program of training provided by a licensed acupuncturist must meet the following criteria:

A training program shall be no shorter than forty (40) hours and shall include, at a minimum, a combination of the following:

• Sterilization procedures and techniques;
• Preventing bruising and bleeding post needle removal;
• Needle removal protocols including what to do with stuck, broken, or missed needles;
• Bloodborne pathogens;
• What to do in the event a medical emergency arises during or after treatment;
• Cupping and scraping;
• Moxibustion;
• History taking and recordkeeping; and
• Professional standards of conduct.
• Supervision

A.R.S. § 32-3901(6) defines “Supervision” to mean “that the supervising licensed acupuncturist is present in the facility where the [AA] is performing services and is available for consultation regarding procedures that the licensed acupuncturist has authorized and for which the licensed acupuncturist remains responsible.”

An AA may not insert acupuncture needles or evaluate, interpret, design or modify established treatment programs of acupuncture care. The Board will seek a statute and/or rule change to clarify the above supervision and training requirements