Podiatric Acupuncture in Victoria

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My apologies for this new thread as I remember some discussion on this topic in the past, although it may not have been finalised.

As far as I know, Victoria is the only Australian state to put through legislation for the registration of Acupuncturists. A copy of that legislation is in the wings in WA.

I have got the impression, rightly or wrongly, that some podiatrists in Victoria think that they are not allowed to use acupuncture needles because of the legislation. My understanding is that the legislation is about who can call themselves "Acupuncturists". The legislation is not about who can use acupuncture needles as far as I know and a podiatrist may use them but not call himself an "Acupuncturist" . The podiatrist is treating podiatric conditions using an acupuncture technique i.e. using acupuncture needles.
I suspect that the same misunderstanding exists in Scotland.

If acupuncture needles are indeed only for the use of acupuncturists, then podiatrists have been very negligent in not getting nail nippers etc legislated for podiatric use only. We will have to do our acupuncture using our syringes but just forget to inject.

Can someone be definite about this please.

Cheers
Shane

 

Insofar as Queensland is concerned, there is *no* scope of practice for podiatrists.

What this means is that as long as a podiatrist can demonstrate to the Registration Board that they have been trained in providing a particular technique or procedure, then it is likely that the Board will support that activity as long as it has a fair and resonable evidence base to support it.

In terms of acupuncture, then this is straight-forward, and my understanding is that there is no regulatory concern as long as some degree of competency can be proven (ie workshops, courses).

Interestingly I have heard that the Queensland regulatory framework for podiatrists has been held up as a possible reference for the immenent change to National Registration.

Yet another potential benefit from National Registration will be to remove points of confusion like this in the future - and give everyone a clear idea on how and what they can call the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery in this country.

LL

 

Hi Lucky,

I'm glad of that as will be in sunny Qld later in the year. At present it is the same in WA with the proviso that you are treating 'podiatric conditions' and that you use appropriate aseptic technique (as outlined in a communication about two years ago). When the "Acupuncture Registration Act" comes through it will make no difference to podiatrists using acupuncture to treat 'podiatric conditions'. In the UK the certification of pods to do acupuncture also includes the stipulation that needles may only be used below the knee. Not so for us provided it is still about treating those conditions.

Now, is there any news from Victoria about the exact wording of the Act or will I have to try and find it through google.

Cheers
Shane

 

Shane,
this is the link to the
Health Professions Registration Amendment Bill 2007 still needing to pass the Victorian Upper House.

In the original HP act (to come into force on July 1st) podiatry was the only HP group excluded from using the title Accupuncturist, or from stating that they practiced accupuncture without being registered by the chinese Medicine Board. This ammendment gives this power back to the Podiatry Board. Below is what is stated in the current act. The amendment adds The Podiatry board as a responsible board

 

Thanks very much for that Stephen, I think you have mentioned previously on Arena that this was in the wings. Now it is happening!

You seem to have been involved in this process of amending the Act to include Podiatry along with the remainder of other Health Professionals, so may be able to tell me more about how this may work in practice. I presume you are involved with the Association. Do you have a special interest also in acupuncture?

These are my queries:

For the Podiatrists Registration Board to endorse a podiatrist to call themselves an 'acupuncturist' will the Board require that certain prescribed training be required? Do you know of any plans in that direction? Also, will a podiatrist need to call themselves an acupuncturist to use acupuncture needles? Or, in other words, can you use acupuncture needles and not call yourself an 'acupuncturist' and therefor not be in breach of the Board?
For example, what of podiatrists who do 'dry needling' using acupuncture needles?

I ask this as I have taught acupuncture to podiatrists in WA (as an extra technique in the treatment of common conditions encountered by podiatrists) and have advised trainees against calling themselves acupuncturists. I'm not sure why one would as the publics expectations of an 'acupuncturist' would be to treat a myriad of problems outside the normal scope of a podiatrist.
I am also at present very early in the planning of a workshop in Victoria.
Would this possibly require the approval of the Board?

Feel very free to direct me to the Board with these queries, if I'm presuming too much by asking you. I do appreciate your help so far.

Cheers
Shane