We believe this represents the core of members’ interests and where the work of the Association will be of most value.

A more detailed breakdown of the planned business development plan can be found in the Members’ section of the web site.

[8/3/2010]

AACP Student Membership

AACP offers Student Membership to those on Foundation Courses.

Those undertaking AACP approved Foundation Acupuncture Courses may join AACP as student members. Membership will give access to the members' area of the website, including the online research databases and will provide blood donor certificates. To join, please fill in the Student membership form.

[23/6/2009]

Acupuncture in Manual Therapy

A new Text Book on Acupuncture In Physiotherapy by Jennie Longbottom

The book is due to be published in April and is available at 25% discount from Amazon.

[8/3/2010]

Acupuncture Training Courses when Pregnant

There has been some concern about the risks to pregnant physiotherapists who undertake Acupuncture foundation courses, in which the receipt of a significant amount of needling is an integral part of the tuition.

The AACP Board referred the matter to the CSP Professional Practice Committee for a definitive ruling, which is as follows:-

• PPC advise that while there is no evidence either way concerning potential harmful effects on either the mother or the unborn child, it is judicious to err on the side of caution. PPC recommend that is not advisable to allow a pregnant student to be repeatedly needled during a training programme.
• PPC would also politely remind members that it is the responsibility of course tutors to ensure that participants understand that: 'no evidence of harm does not mean no risk of harm'
• Course tutors are recommended to advise pregnant students not to take part in repeated needling.
• Course tutors have a duty of care to the course participant and to the unborn child and should ensure that participants appreciate the risk and advise that they defer training until they are no longer pregnant.
• PPC would also politely remind members that it is the responsibility of the student to inform the tutor of their condition and to be ultimately responsible for their own well being assuming the risks are known to students attending acupuncture courses.

[8/3/2010]

Can you make a difference?

An opportunity has arisen to join the AACP Board of Directors –and the chance to influence the future direction of the Association and of the use of Acupuncture itself.

The role can be demanding, but only as demanding as you allow it.

Typically there are no more than 4 or 5 Board meetings a year, some of which may take place in Regional settings, with each Director usually assuming oversight on selected areas of the Association’s work.

If you would like to put yourself forward, or have a more detailed chat about the position please contact Ian Brooke our CEO, on 01733 390006 or by E-mail.

[22/1/2010]

Travel & Conference Funding for AACP members

AACP has some money available to fund attendance at conferences and meetings that promote Acupuncture.

For more details, members should login, then click 'About AACP' on the menu, then select 'AACP Membership'

[22/1/2010]

AACP Press Release

AACP issues a Press Release on the recent NICE statements about the use of Acupuncture in treating back-pain.

The Press Release was issued by AACP Chair Merian Denning.

[22/1/2010]

AACP release new 3-Year plan

The AACP Board, under its new Chair, Merian Denning, have released a new forward plan.

The 3-Year plan cover the period from May 2009 and replaces the original 5-year plan.

[22/1/2010]

Acupuncture Licensing

There appears to be some confusion among some Physiotherapists about the requirements for Practice Licensing when practising Acupuncture.

England & Wales

All private Physiotherapists who practise Acupuncture in England or Wales are required to register with their Local Authority. Please click HERE for the latest guidance.

Scotland. Members in Scotland will be pleased that negotiations about licensing with the Scottish Health Executive conducted by a joint AACP & CSP team have been successful and HPC registered Physiotherapists no longer need to be licensed to practise Acupuncture. The Statutory Instrument changing the Scottish Law may be seen HERE.

One of the important aspects of the new Order is that, in addition to exempting registered health professionals, it contains specific entitlement to a refund for any practitioner who has already paid for a licence and is subsequently exempted under the new Order.

[30/3/2009]

Acupuncture, Physiotherapists & VAT

Although Physiotherapy services are normally exempt from VAT, other services such as Acupuncture that is outside the accepted scope of Physiotherapy practice, or the provision of training courses are not exempt.

Click HERE for more guidance on this issue.

[30/3/2009]

Additional Membership Categories

AACP has introduced three additional categories giving affiliate membership:-

• STUDENT members
• NON-PRACTISING Members
• RETIRED Members

Physiotherapists undertaking AACP Approved Foundation Courses may join as Student members. Student membership will give access to the website for research purposes and a range of other benefits. Students who join AACP immediately on successful completion of their Foundation Course will be allowed to credit their student subscription against the full subscription for ACCREDITED status.

Non-Practising membership is a temporary category designed to allow Physiotherapists who are unable to practise for a period of time to retain their membership, but at a reduced rate of subscription. Non-practising membership may only be held for a maximum of 12 months, after which full membership must be renewed.

Retired membership is offered to those Physiotherapists who have retired completely from the profession, but who wish to maintain their contact with AACP.

Student, non-Practising and Retired members have full access to the AACP website, receive member discounts on publications, courses & conferences, but may not vote at the Annual General Meeting of AACP. Full details of these affiliate categories of membership will be found HERE.

[22/1/2010]

Additional Online Access to Research Databases

Access is now available to two additional online databases as a trial. Databases are available to AACP members, who should log-in to the members' area for access. Please have a look at the new databases and let the CEO know your views.

[26/6/2009]

Discounts on Publications

The Office has negotiated a discount for AACP members with Elsevier & Thieme. Members should log in for details of these offers, including the codes needed to gain the discounts.

• Elsevier are offering AACP members a 10% discount and free delivery on all purchases. The Elsevier website is at www.elsevierhealth.com.
• Thieme are offering AACP members a 10% discount on purchases from their website at www.thieme.com.

[23/6/2009]

Press Reports on the NICE Acupuncture statement

There has been considerable Press interest in the recent NICE statements on the use of Acupuncture in treatment of back pain.

Merian Denning, AACP Chair, has issued a Press Release on the AACP position.

[22/1/2010]

Tutors Wanted!

AACP is always looking for tutors to teach Acupuncture Courses to members and prospective members.

If you have at least 200 hours of recognised Acupuncture training and a teaching certificate, you may well be eligible to be approved under the AACP Accreditation Framework.

Further details about the Accreditation Framework.

[8/3/2010]

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Regulation Study Group Reports

The group studying the regulation of Acupuncture has now produced its report for the Government and initial indications are positive for AACP members.

For a review of the Study Report, click HERE.

[23/6/2009]

Advertising Courses

This website can be used for advertising Training Courses.

Physiotherapists need a good source of Acupuncture Courses. If you would like to advertise your courses, please send full details to the webmaster, including ALL the following information on the Advertising Form:-

• Course dates & durations & last date for booking
• Location, including postcode
• Contact details for booking, including name, phone & E-Mail
• Fee & whether manuals, refreshments, lunch etc. are included
• The discount offered to AACP members
• Name[s] of Tutor[s]
• A brief Course synopsis, whether training or CPD [Only AACP approved courses qualify as training]
• Any pre-requisites, conditions, etc.

To appear on this website, all courses, with the exception of Foundation Courses, must offer a discount to AACP members.

[23/6/2009]

CSP support 80 Hours of Acupuncture Training.

The CSP have endorsed the AACP requirement for a minimum 80 Hours of Acupuncture Training.

All AACP accredited courses will automatically receive the CSP kitemark approval logo without having to undertake any further scrutiny.

Please refer to the CSP Kite Marks option under the Training menu on the left hand side for further details.

Hepatitis-B vaccination

All members are advised to ensure that they have up to date vaccination for Hepatitis-B.

Please see this Guidance Leaflet for more information.

[23/6/2009]

CPD - Have you read the instructions on the packet?

There are still widespread misconceptions about CPD that are held by many.

CPD is not training and cannot be offered as such!
Please see the latest update from the Chair of AACP by clicking here.

Hold a course at the AACP HQ

You can hold a training course at the AACP HQ in Peterborough.

Click here to view the facilities available. Call or E-Mail the CEO for further details.

[26/6/2009]

Insurance Companies & MOD insist on AACP membership.

Several insurance companies and MOD are insisting on AACP membership.

BUPA & Prudential Assurance have confirmed to us that they are insisting all Physiotherapists who treat their patients with Acupuncture must be members of AACP. All Physiotherapists treating Members of the UK Armed Forces must be members of AACP, BMAS, or BAcC.

Physiotherapists should select AACP accredited courses

Physiotherapists are advised to check carefully that any course they select is taught by an AACP recognised tutor.

New Basic Courses must be 80 hours. Courses of less than 80 hours will not gain membership of AACP and are not accepted for practice in other countries.