Healthcare and Social Services
1. Will there be any practice restrictions as TCM needle acupuncture is allowed for other conditions besides pain management?
The provision of TCM needle acupuncture for all conditions will be allowed, with the following restrictions:
- Only TCMPs in TCM clinics and those co-located within a TCM medical hall with dedicated treatment rooms can offer acupuncture treatment;
- Masks must be worn by both TCMPs and patients throughout the acupuncture treatment session.
TCMPs must also observe proper infection control guidelines as prescribed below:
- Hand hygiene must be strictly observed.
- Surgical masks, gloves and other protective gear (e.g. disposable gowns when appropriate) must be used when performing acupuncture and manipulative treatment.
- Proper disposal of used acupuncture needles and all other wastes.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
2. Am I allowed to make house calls to deliver permitted TCM services?
Yes, house calls will be allowed but with the following restrictions:
- Make a pre-visit phone call on the day of home therapy/home visit to ascertain the patient’s/client’s health condition and potential exposure to COVID-19 prior to the therapy/visit and review the need to proceed with home therapy/home visit;
- Comply with safe distancing measures i.e. minimise interaction with household members/caregivers, safe distancing of at least 1-2m with household members/caregivers, if layout permits; and
- Masks must be worn by both TCMPs and patients throughout the consultation and treatment session.
TCMPs must also observe proper infection control guidelines as prescribed below:
- Hand hygiene must be strictly observed.
- Surgical masks, gloves and other protective gear (e.g. disposable gowns when appropriate) must be used when performing acupuncture and manipulative treatment.
- Proper disposal of used acupuncture needles and all other wastes.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
3. Am I allowed to practice at multiple places of practice?
To minimise infection risk and cross-institutional transmission of COVID-19, TCMPs who wish to practice during phases 1 and 2 of post CB period are allowed to do so only at one place of practice.