WAC 246-803-320. Instrument sterilization procedure

(1) An acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner shall use sterile instruments and follow proper instrument sterilization procedures and the keeping of accurate records of sterilization cycles and equipment service maintenance as described in the manufacturer's instruction manual and the 7th edition of " Best Practices for Acupuncture Needle Safety and Related Procedures " published by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine revised May 2017. This shall not apply to needles, which may not be reused or sterilized for a subsequent use on more than one patient under any circumstances. (2) "Sterilization" means to kill all microbial life, including bacterial spores, for instruments which enter tissues. Sterilization is accomplished by subjecting clean items to steam pressure (autoclaving), ultraviolet-C, or to dry heat.