On July 8, 2016, Nebraska Attorney General Douglas Peterson issued a ruling: „When dry needling is defined based on descriptions provided to this office by the Physiotherapy Board and APTA, we believe a reasonable legal argument can be made that dry needling is a `mechanical modality` or a `physical agent or modality` and therefore falls within the legal definition of Physiotherapy. In addition, it was argued that dry needling is outside the scope of occupational therapists and athletic trainers. A copy of the legal notice can be found here. On 12 May 2011, the Governor of Georgia signed the law with effect from 1 July 2011. Georgia was the first state in the United States to incorporate dry needling into physiotherapy laws. Dry needling is an invasive procedure that requires referral and guidance in accordance with § 54.1-3482 of the Virginia Code. The transfer must be made in writing and specifically for dry needling; If the first transfer is made verbally, a written transfer must follow. On May 17, 2017, the Oregon Attorney General issued a statement that dry needling is not the responsibility of a licensed Oregon physical therapist. (2) Mandatory Training – Prior to performing dry needling, a practitioner must meet the training requirements in each of the following areas: The Board believes that dry needling falls within the practice of physiotherapy as defined in Kentucky law by the General Assembly under KRS 327.010(1). Dry needling is a treatment to improve neuromuscular function. As such, it fits the definition of physiotherapy as defined in KRS 327:010(1): physiotherapy – refers to the use of selected knowledge and skills; invasive or non-invasive procedures focused on the skeletal system; neuromuscular; and cardiopulmonary function; with regard to physiotherapy.
There is nothing in Chapter 327 of the KRS that prohibits a licensed physiotherapist from performing dry needles as long as the physiotherapist is competent to perform this procedure. Conducting at least 25 dry needle sessions conducted under the supervision of a physical therapist who is actively licensed to practice physical therapy in a state or District of Columbia who has been actively performing dry needling for at least 1 year and documenting that they have met the supervision and competency requirements and do not require additional supervised sessions, to make dry needles; or If dry needling is performed, a separate procedure note is required for each treatment, and it should be stated how the patient tolerated the technique and how the result was achieved after the procedure. 1. Documented success of an intramuscular manual therapy study; Online study is not considered adequate training. One. At least 50 hours of study on the IMS/Dry Needling campus; Online study is not considered adequate training. b. Three years of practice as a licensed physiotherapist before using the intramuscular manual therapy technique.2. The physiotherapist must have proof of intramuscular manipulation approved by the board, which is filed with the board office prior to the application of the treatment technique. (b) Initial dry needling training shall include a written and practical practical examination in accordance with this Regulation. D. To be considered suitable for dry needling, a physiotherapist must:1.
have practised as a registered physiotherapist for at least two years;2. have successfully completed a diploma program in dry needling that includes at least 46 hours of personal training (i.e., not online) in dry needling. A patient for whom dry needling is being considered should be given a written statement of informed consent informing them of the potential risks and benefits of dry needling. A copy of a completed form is kept in the patient`s chart and another copy is given to the patient. P.L. 2021,c.382 was signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 18, 2022, allowing physiotherapists to practice dry needling in certain circumstances. The law will come into force for 90 days starting January 18, 2022. Under this law, a licensed physical therapist must complete a continuing education and competency program approved by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
The law requires board-approved continuing education and dry needle skills programs that include at least 40 hours of theoretical instruction, the personal involvement of a physiotherapist, and the ability to complete the program in less than two years. Programs must also include at least 40 hours of hands-on instruction, under the direct supervision of a licensed physiotherapist who has at least five years of clinical experience in performing dry needles, or by a physician licensed in that state to practice medicine and surgery, in the application of the dry needling technique. Licensees must complete a total of 80 hours of board-approved continuing education and dry needle skills to qualify for dry needling practice in New Jersey. At its meeting on 24. May 2022 Continuing Education and/or Continuing Education Courses or Programs in Dry Needling – go to the Continuing Education tab on the left side of the Council`s homepage. Then click February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2026 under Lists of approved continuing education courses. If you complete a course or program and it is not approved by the board, it will not comply with the law. Please check the council`s website for updates on dry needling and dry needling training and/or skills programs under Education and FAQs.
On April 15, 2016, the Attorney General of the State of Washington concluded that „the definition of physiotherapy practice indicates that the legislature did not intend to include dry needling in the scope of practice. (3) A physiotherapist may perform dry needles only on those parts of the body included in the course of the study. (1) For the purpose of performing dry needling, a physiotherapist shall be given all the instructional instructions referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) and (2)(b). Any such training must be obtained in person and cannot be obtained online or by videoconference. In Hawaii, physical therapists are not allowed to penetrate the skin and therefore dry needling is not part of the PT practice.