Ireland

Legal situation in Ireland – Approx 850 acupuncturists in total in the country and all operate under common law. There are now 5 professional associations that formed a steering committee with a few to federating into one over arching council. At present all regulation is voluntary but the Dept of Health has been facilitated talks between the associations in 2007. HETAC published a report in September 2012 regarding validating courses in Complimentary therapies http://www.hetac.ie/publications_other.htm . A Health Professionals Council( CORU) has been formed and it is hoped that this will be the route that the organisation will enter to gain Statutory Self Regulation. Patients pay for treatment privately but up to 50% of this is reimbursed by healthcare insurersAcupuncture Foundation Professional AssociationLegal situation in Ireland

• Practicing and non practicing member

Basic training required

• 1200 verifiable contact hours

Required continuing education

• Practitioners must gain 4 CPD points per year and produce certificate for it
  (1CPD = 1 day of lecture)

Requirements for continuing membership

• Occupational First Aid Certificate, Professional Indemnity Insurance (this costs either €160 or €190 per anum)

Becoming a member – Practitioner will fill out application and college verification form and then is called for an interview with a panel. The panel then submit their recommendations to the board and applicant is then admitted following decision of the board. An exam will be put in place shortly for applicants