Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) Issues New White Paper on Acupuncture Safety and Hospital Accreditation Standards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2025 – Centennial, CO — The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the publication of a new white paper titled "Acupuncture Safety in the Hospital Setting: The Congruence of the CCAHM Clean Needle Technique and the Joint Commission Standards." This comprehensive document articulates how the Clean Needle Technique® (CNT®) standards maintained by CCAHM align with the rigorous patient safety and quality care benchmarks established by The Joint Commission for hospital settings.
The white paper was developed and reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts, including Jennifer Brett, ND, L.Ac.; Galina V. Roofener, A.P., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H. (NCCAOM); Leng Tang-Ritchie, L.Ac. and Thomas Kouo, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM. Their collective expertise spans clinical practice, hospital-based acupuncture services, regulatory compliance, and professional education. The paper was reviewed and approved by CCAHM member schools at its Spring Conference in Arlington, VA.
"The publication of this white paper represents a critical advancement in CCAHM’s mission to ensure public safety and promote the highest standards of acupuncture care," said Thomas Kouo, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, President of CCAHM. "By demonstrating the clear alignment between the Clean Needle Technique and Joint Commission Standards, we reaffirm that properly trained acupuncturists are well-equipped to practice safely within hospital and integrative care settings."
Recognized nationally as the foundational safety training for acupuncturists, the Clean Needle Technique course and certification establish critical standards for infection control, risk management, and patient safety. As acupuncture services become increasingly integrated into hospitals and health systems, this white paper offers a vital resource for hospital administrators, credentialing bodies, and integrative medicine programs seeking to ensure best practices in acupuncture delivery.
The full white paper is now available for download at www.ccahm.org.
About CCAHM:
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is a leading national association dedicated to promoting excellence in acupuncture and herbal medicine education. Committed to advancing the field and ensuring the highest standards of education and training, CCAHM collaborates with colleges and practitioners to foster innovation and professional development. CCAHM also develops and administers the Clean Needle Technique® (CNT®) course, exam, and manual, which define the national standard for safe needle practices and are essential for preparing students for licensure and professional certification.
Website: www.ccahm.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kristin Richeimer, CAE
Executive Director, CCAHM
kricheimer@ccahm.org