Can OTs delegate acupuncture?

Occupational therapists are not authorized to delegate acupuncture. This is because acupuncture is considered a specific therapeutic intervention that falls under the practice of acupuncture therapy. For occupational therapy practitioners, treatment interventions are guided by their scope of practice and the regulatory framework governing their profession. In most jurisdictions, acupuncture is a regulated health profession requiring specialized training and certification.

A key aspect of occupational therapy practice is the focus on developing and using techniques that promote participation and function across various activities of daily living. While OTs can incorporate a variety of modalities in their practice, the delegation of an intervention like acupuncture is outside their established scope unless they are specifically trained and regulated to perform it.

Thus, having specialized training, doctor approval, or any other permission does not change the fundamental regulation surrounding the practice of acupuncture and the limits of delegation by occupational therapists. This confirms that the correct response is indeed that OTs cannot delegate acupuncture.