6 Colo. Code Regs. § 1009-1, reg. Regulation 10
This regulation is promulgated pursuant to § 12-200-1115, C.R.S., which states the Department shall promulgate rules relating to the proper use of sterile needles used in the practice of acupuncture and the sanitation of acupuncture offices.
All parts of the premises of an acupuncture establishment shall be kept in a clean, sanitary, neat, and orderly condition at all times. All surfaces (e.g., tables, counters, chairs, etc.) used in connection with procedures shall be cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is approved for use in healthcare settings. Cleaning and disinfection shall occur following each use and according to the disinfectant manufacturer label instructions.
Puncturing devices shall be defined as any needle, instrument, probe, or other devices utilized by practitioners of acupuncture, or adjunctive therapies, that punctures the skin or enters tissue of any patient/client. Needles and other puncturing devices shall be sterile and disposable single-use items that are appropriately discarded immediately after use in an appropriate sharps container, and shall never be used on more than one patient/client. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that sterile needles be used and always labeled for single patient use.
Equipment shall be defined as any item utilized by practitioners of acupuncture, or adjunctive therapies, that serve as vehicles for needles or other puncturing devices. These items do not puncture the skin or enter the tissue. Equipment shall either be disposable, single-use items (preferred), or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each patient/client use according to the manufacturers' instructions. If there are no manufacturers' instructions for how to clean and disinfect the equipment, the equipment shall not be used on more than one patient and disposed of properly.
Acupuncture and adjunctive therapies where sterile needles and puncturing devices are used shall only be performed by licensed practitioners. Prior to and after each treatment of acupuncture, the practitioner shall perform hand hygiene by either washing their hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
6 CCR 1009-1, reg. Regulation 10