1. (1) Before training five-needle protocol (5NP) technicians in Oregon, a 5NP trainer must:

   1. (a) Request board approval by providing required documentation demonstrating qualifications under this section, and

   2. (b) Meet one of the following requirements:

      1. (A) Be an actively licensed Oregon acupuncturist or a physician licensed under ORS 677.100 to 677.133 who is in good standing with the Oregon Medical Board and has been practicing auricular acupuncture for a period of at least two years; or
      2. (B) Hold active 5NP technician registration issued by the Oregon Medical Board for a minimum of two years and co-teach a minimum of two 5NP training programs described in section (2) of the rule. The 5NP trainer that co-taught must provide the Oregon Medical Board a letter of recommendation and evaluation of the individual seeking approval as a 5NP trainer; or
      3. (C) Be an active National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Registered Trainer or People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) Trainer.

2. (2) The 5NP training program must include at least 30 hours of didactic and 40 ears needled during supervised clinical training, mechanisms to monitor a participant’s engagement, and contain the following elements:

   1. (a) Sanitation and hygiene techniques,
   2. (b) Infection control precaution procedures,
   3. (c) Consent documentation and the individual’s rights,
   4. (d) Ear needling and point location,
   5. (e) Plans to address potential risks, side effects, and complications,
   6. (f) Collaboration with other 5NP technicians, health care providers, and community resources,
   7. (g) Trauma informed care,
   8. (h) Origins of 5NP,
   9. (i) Maintaining professional boundaries, and
   10. (j) Reporting requirements.
3. (3) Training programs completed prior to the first adoption of this rule may be substantially similar to the requirements described in section (2) of this rule.
4. (4) A “5NP student” is an individual enrolled in a 5NP training program described in section (2) of this rule. This chapter does not prohibit a 5NP student from providing 5NP treatments rendered in the course of the training program.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 677.265 & OL 2025, chapter 296, section 2 (HB 2143)

Statutes/Other Implemented

OL 2025, chapter 296, section 2 (HB 2143)

History

OMB 1-2026, adopt filed 01/09/2026, effective 03/01/2026