Effective July 1, 2024, members who use acupuncture or needles around the chest area will be required to obtain separate insurance coverage for this work unless specific coverage is provided by their employer.
CSP is taking this step to ensure that its Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) system is sustainable and maintains the affordability that CSP can offer as a member benefit. The cost of the scheme has increased by almost 30% over the past two years.
Pip White, CSP’s specialist advisor, said:
Complaints due to pneumothorax caused by thoracic acupuncture occur regularly and frequently. Since such claims are indefensible, the CSP PLI scheme must pay a large sum to each person affected. These recurring costs impact the overall group premium and result in an increase in his CSP membership subscription.
CSP has recently collaborated with the Association of Certified Physical Therapists and Acupuncturists (AACP) to highlight the risks of such interventions in “Learning from Lawsuits – A Report on Pneumothorax” and “Frontline Articles – Pneumothorax and Acupuncture: Going Too Far?” is emphasized. Despite this, the PLI system continues to receive claims for pneumothorax due to negligent chest acupuncture.
Although many CPD providers, including the AACP, offer training in acupuncture, the CSP has no role in approving post-registration training courses, nor does it regulate the practice of its members. The only post-registration activity subject to regulation is prescribing, and all programs quality assured by UK higher education institutions are approved by the Medical Care Professional Council.
CSP has taken similar steps in the past to exclude high-risk claims areas, most recently for spinal injections in 2021. Like spinal injections, thoracic acupuncture remains within the scope of physical therapy, but its risks require additional coverage.
Members who rely on the CSP PLI scheme in any of their independent work, and specifically use thoracic acupuncture or acupuncture, will need to apply for additional insurance from 1 July 2024 to maintain cover for this activity. there is.
Insurance broker James Hallam offers further advice.
