The Board proposes to review the rule to delete unnecessary language and to add new language for clarification of the definition for sterilization.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Board of Acupuncture

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:
64B1-8.001: Definitions
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes to review the rule to delete unnecessary language and to add new language for clarification of the definition for sterilization.
SUMMARY: The rule amendment will delete unnecessary language and to add new language for clarification of the definition for sterilization.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 457.104, 457.1085 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 457.1085 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Anthony Jusevitch, Executive Director, Board of Acupuncture/MQA, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C06, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3256

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B1-8.001 Definitions.

(1) Needles: solid filiform instruments used in the practice of acupuncture. This includes, but is not limited to, dermal needles, plum blossom needles, press needles, prismatic needles and disposable lancets. Pursuant to Section 457.1085, F.S., all acupuncture needles that are to be used on a patient must be sterile and disposable, and each needle may be used only once.

(2) Sterilization: kills all microbial life, including all bacterial spores, for instruments which enter tissue. Sterilization is accomplished by subjecting clean items to steam under pressure (autoclaving), or to dry heat the use of procedures which destroy all microbial life, including viruses, thereby creating sterility. In acupuncture this technique is used for all instruments which pierce the skin including, but not limited to, filiform needles and plum-blossom needles or those instruments that may come into contact with instruments that pierce the skin including, but not limited to, storage strays, forceps and guide tubes for needles.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 457.104, 457.1085 FS. Law Implemented 457.1085 FS. History–New 5-6-87, Amended 12-23-87, 6-7-89, Formerly 21AA-8.001, 61F1-8.001, 59M-8.001, Amended 2-26-01,_________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Acupuncture
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Acupuncture
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: September 17, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: August 7, 2009