The BAcC is delighted to announce that it is now accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). As one of only two organisations currently accredited (along with the British Association of Counseling and Psychotherapy), it offers members enhanced status with the public, with the NHS, private health insurers and the Government.

Harry Cayton, Chief Executive of the PSA said: "We are very pleased to accredit BAcC. Bringing acupuncture into a broad framework of assurance is good for patient, service users and the public and is the best way to promote quality. The scheme offers enhanced protection to anyone looking for health and social care services, and gives acupuncture the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment."

Nick Pahl commented "This is great news for members, who can use it as a mark of quality. It is testament to the membership in their support to develop BAcC and to BAcC staff, particularly John Wheeler and Mandy Foster, who helped produce such a comprehensive application.

The PSA state that accreditation does not imply that the Authority has assessed the merits of individuals on the register - this remains the responsibility of the BAcC. Accreditation means that BAcC's register meets the Professional Standards Authority's high standards in governance, standard-setting, education and training, management, complaints and information.

As part of next steps, BAcC's will be meeting with the Authority later in February to receive a communications toolkit advising the BAcC and members on key messages about accreditation and on the use and regulations of the accreditation mark. Wider dissemination of the mark cannot occur until the signed agreement is in place.

BAcC are also in discussion with BUPA regarding a change in their policy to allow BAcC registered members to be able to claim for patient treatments now that we are accredited with the PSA. Further discussions are planned with AXA/PPP Healthcare and the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.