Rule 360-6-.12 - Disposal of Biohazard Material and Clean Needle Inventory Records and Used Needle Inventory Records(1) The practice of acupuncture and auricular (ear) detoxification is found to affect the public health, safety and welfare and is a proper subject of regulation.(2) As acupuncture and auricular (ear) detoxification are prolonged invasive procedures of the human skin utilizing sharp instruments, all necessary precautions should be taken for the prevention of the transmission of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, (the virus known to cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Hepatitis B and C and other infectious diseases. Persons licensed under this Act and those exempt individuals practicing acupuncture should take all measures to conform to the most current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing transmission of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C and other infectious diseases to patients during prolonged invasive procedures that are contained in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1991; 40 (No. RR-8) pages 1-9. It is the responsibility of all persons currently licensed by the Board to maintain familiarity with these recommendations, which are considered by the Board to be the minimum standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice. Failing to meet these minimum standards will be considered by the Board to be unprofessional conduct and subject to review and disciplinary action by the Board.(3) Disposable acupuncture needles are considered a biohazard waste material and must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. To further ensure the public health and safety of the citizens of Georgia, persons licensed under this Act and exempt individuals practicing acupuncture must keep accurate medical and office records that reflect the following detailed information:(a) Invoices for the purchase of disposable needles; and(b) Documentive disposal of all needles and method of disposal.(4) Records pertaining to needle purchase and needle disposal must be kept for a period of no less than five (5) years and are to be surrendered to the Board, when requested in writing by an authorized representative of the Board or requested by an agent of the Board, in reference to a complaint, allegation and/or investigation of the Board.(5) All licensees licensed pursuant to this Act must file a notarized document, devised and approved by the Board, acknowledging that they have read, understand and are familiar with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing the transmission of the Human Immuno-deficiency virus, Hepatitis B and C and other infectious diseases. This document must be filed with the Board at the time of application and at each renewal cycle.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 360-6-.12
O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-34-61, 43-34-63.
Original Rule entitled "Temporary Permits" adopted as ER. 360-6-0.10-.12. F. Aug. 10, 2000; eff. Aug. 21, 2000, as specified by the Agency, to be in effect for 120 days or until the effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same subject matter is adopted, as specified by the Agency.Amended: Permanent Rule entitled "Disposal of Biohazard Material and Clean Needle Inventory Records and Used Needle Inventory Records" adopted. F. Nov. 20, 2000; eff. Dec. 10, 2000.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 16, 2001; eff. Feb. 5, 2001.