The British Acupuncture Council
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) was formed in 1995. With nearly 3,000 members it represents the largest body of professional acupuncturists in the UK and guarantees excellence in the following areas:
Training Standards - entry to the profession is at three year undergraduate degree level training.
Safe Practice - its standards are drawn up in consultation with internationally renowned experts.
Ethical Behaviour - rules are monitored and enforced with the help of experienced practitioners and independent non-acupuncturists.
Statutory regulation
Government policy aims to bring the acupuncture profession into statutory regulation by 2010. Until then the BAcC is committed to protecting both the public and its members by providing a similar level of safeguards.
All BAcC members are bound by strict Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct. These codes ensure that patients are offered the highest standards of professional care during their acupuncture treatment.
Concerns about a member's behaviour or ability to practise safely should be referred to the Ethics Secretary who can give you information about our formal complaints procedures, and collect preliminary details. Complex cases may take some time because of the need for thorough and impartial investigation.
Members who have broken the BAcC's rules can face admonishments, fines or conditions placed on their practice. In serious cases, members may be removed or suspended from the Register. Although the BAcC is a voluntary self-regulating body, our reputation as the lead body for acupuncture in the UK means that these sanctions are taken very seriously.
Enquiries can be addressed in confidence to the Ethics Secretary by e-mail at ethics@acupuncture.org.uk or by telephone on 0208 735 1205.
