Colorado acupuncturists are desperately fighting to reverse a recent decision — the passing of HB18-1155 — that adds dry needling to physical therapists' scope of practice. You can support Colorado acupuncturists by signing their Change.org petition here. Other states facing similar dilemmas are Idaho (HB 505) and South Dakota (HB 1079), both of which were recently passed.

In 2016, the American Medical Association said, "Physical therapists and other non-physicians practicing dry needling should, at a minimum, have standards that are similar to the ones for training, certification and continuing education that exist for acupuncture."¹

The AMA even added a policy (H-410.949) to its "Practice Parameters" and cited dry needling as an invasive procedure that should only be performed by practitioners with standard training and familiarity with routine use of needles.²

The NCCAOM's stance is clear, as it states in a position paper: "Dry needling is an advanced and invasive procedure. In the hands of a practitioner who has received limited and/or substandard training, it has the potential to cause great harm. It can be considered safe only when performed by properly trained and experienced acupuncturists."

The position paper goes on to say, "Licensed acupuncturists receive years of academic education and training in many acupuncture techniques ... Nearly all states require licensed acupuncturists to meet NCCAOM standards of eligibility and pass national board certification exams."³

The American Society of Acupuncturists' (ASA) position on dry needling is along the same lines. To read its statement, click here.

References

1. American Medical Association. AMA Adopts New Policies on the Final Day of Annual Meeting. AMA Media and Editorial, 15 June 2016.
2. American Medical Association. Practice Parameters, Dry Needling is an Invasive Procedure: H-410.949, AMA Media and Editorial, 2016.
3. NCCAOM. NCCAOM and the NCCAOM Academy of Diplomates Dry Needling Position. NCCAOM Academy of Diplomates, Aug 2017.

---

Editor's Note: If your state is under duress over the same issue, email with details.

---

Acupuncture Today editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email mailto: .

Next Article in Issue
Next Article in Topic

Previous Article in Issue
Previous Article in Topic