May 2008, the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice.

In April 2012, the Alaska PhysicalTherapy and Occupational Therapy Board approved dry needling by physical therapists.

On April 25th, 2014 the Arizona physical therapy statute was ammended to include dry needling within the physical therapy scope of practice.

On May 28, 2009, the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy ruled that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice.

September 2013: Colorado Governor signs into law that Dry Needling is in the scope of practice for Physical Therapy.

To be deemed competent to perform dry needling, a physical therapist must successfully complete a formalized course of study provided by a qualified licensed healthcare provider that:

-Includes a minimum of fifty (50) hours of education of which forty hours must be in-person education. The education may be broken up into more than one part. A physical therapist is permitted the limited practice of dry needling once the physical therapist has completed thirty hours, as long as such practice is confined to the scope of the education already successfully completed. All parts of this education must be successfully completed within four (4) years.

• Includes specific knowledge and psychomotor objectives;
• Includes clinical decision-making;
• ·Includes written and psychomotor assessment of knowledge and skills.
•  

The formalized course of study may be completed during the physical therapist’s entry level education. To apply this education to the requirements, the remaining parts of the education must be successfully completed within four (4) years of the date of original licensure.

If the physical therapist has not completed at least fifty (50) hours of dry needling training within four (4) years, then the licensee must stop performing dry needling at any level until the licensee has completed at least fifty (50) hours.

A physical therapist who meets the requirements must maintain documentation regarding the successful completion of these requirements and shall provide the documentation upon request by the Board.

Source

Novemember 2009: The District of Columbia Board of Physical Therapy approved dry needling to be within the scope of physical therapy practice.

Click here for guidelines

July 1st. 2014: Delaware passed a bill that redefines and expands the ‘practice of physical therapy’ and ‘athletic training’ to include the use of dry needling treatment.

15.4 Dry Needling

15.4.1 Dry needling is “an intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying muscular tissue, connective tissues and myofascial trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments; is based upon Western medical concepts; and requires a physical therapy examination and diagnosis.” 24 Del.C. §2602(6). Dry needling is within the scope of practice for a Physical Therapist. 24 Del.C.§2602(10)(a). It is not in the scope of practice for Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapy Assistants or Physical Therapy Aides.

15.4.2 Requirements for Physical Therapists to perform dry needling:

15.4.2.1 Dry needling may be performed by a licensed Physical Therapist who meets the requirements of subsection 15.4.

15.4.2.2 The Physical Therapist shall have no less than 2 years of active clinical experience in the treatment of patients as a licensed Physical Therapist and shall hold a current license in good standing.

15.4.2.3 The Physical Therapist shall have current CPR certification by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council or other agency approved by the Board and posted on the Division of Professional Regulation’s website.

15.4.2.4 Dry needling shall be performed directly by the Physical Therapist and shall not be delegated.

15.4.2.5 Dry needling shall be performed in a manner that is consistent with generally accepted standards of practice, including clean needle techniques and the bloodborne pathogen standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”).

15.4.2.6 Dry needling is an advanced procedure that requires specialized training. A Physical Therapist shall not perform dry needling in Delaware unless he or she has and maintains documented proof of completing a Board-approved training program on dry needling.

15.4.2.6.1 The program shall be a minimum of 54 hours, which shall be completed within no more than two years;

15.4.2.6.2 The Physical Therapist shall successfully complete the minimum passing criteria for the dry needling program; and

15.4.2.6.3 The Physical Therapist shall only utilize the specific techniques for which he or she has demonstrated competency.

15.4.3 Physical Therapists who are performing dry needling at the time of enactment of this regulation, and who have completed 25 hours of dry needling education, may continue to practice dry needling, upon submission of proof of experience and education to the Board. Such Physical Therapists shall complete the required 54 hours of education within two years after enactment of this regulation.

Board site info.

As of July 1st 2020, Physical Therapist in the state of Florida gained the legal right to perform dry needling. Click here for more.

On May 12, 2011 the Governor of Georgia signed the Bill into law effective July 1, 2011. Georgia became the first state in the United States where dry needling became part of the Physical Therapy Statutes. Click here for guidelines.

In February 2018, the Idaho Board of Physical Therapy approved dry needling by physical therapists.  Click here for guidelines

Effective 8-25-17  Dry needling is in the scope of a Physical Therapist’s practice, however, they need to meet the legal requirements as set by the board.

 Sec. 1.5. Dry needling.
    (a) For the purpose of this Act, "dry needling", also known as intramuscular therapy, means an advanced needling skill or technique limited to the treatment of myofascial pain, using a single use, single insertion, sterile filiform needle (without the use of heat, cold, or any other added modality or medication), that is inserted into the skin or underlying tissues to stimulate trigger points. Dry needling may apply theory based only upon Western medical concepts, requires an examination and diagnosis, and treats specific anatomic entities selected according to physical signs. Dry needling does not include the teaching or application of acupuncture described by the stimulation of auricular points, utilization of distal points or non-local points, needle retention, application of retained electric stimulation leads, or other acupuncture theory.
    (b) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed under this Act may only perform dry needling after completion of requirements, as determined by the Department by rule, that meet or exceed the following: (1) 50 hours of instructional courses that include, but are not limited to, studies in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system, the anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic and referred pain, myofascial trigger point theory, and universal precautions; (2) completion of at least 30 hours of didactic course work specific to dry needling; (3) successful completion of at least 54 practicum hours in dry needling course work; (4) completion of at least 200 supervised patient treatment sessions; and (5) successful completion of a competency examination. Dry needling shall only be performed by a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant.  Full practice act

1. i) A physical therapist must have the knowledge, skill, ability, and competence to perform dry needling. After June 30, 2024, to be deemed competent to perform dry needling, a physical therapist must successfully complete a minimum of fifty (50) hours of education specific to dry needling theory, practice, and technique of which forty (40) hours must be completed in person.

(1) A physical therapist may apply dry needling specific education hours completed within the entry-level education program toward the fifty (50) hour requirement. The physical therapist must complete any remaining education hours to reach a total of fifty (50) hours prior to providing dry needling services.

(2) The physical therapist bears the burden of proof of sufficient education and training to ensure competence with the treatment or intervention. Education courses that meet the requirements of 842 IAC 1-7-5 satisfy this requirement.

(3) If requested by the board or a member of the public, the physical therapist providing dry needling services shall provide documentation of completion of the training required by this rule.

(4) Failure to provide written documentation to the board in compliance with this requirement shall be deemed prima facie evidence that the physical therapist is not competent and shall not be permitted to perform dry needling.

(5) Dry needling shall be performed directly by the physical therapist and shall not be delegated.

On January 14, 2016, the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy issued a Ruling on the Petition for Declaratory Order and concluded that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice as defined in Iowa Code section 148A.1(1)(b).

Dry needling was added to the Kansas statute on May 13, 2016 after Governor Brownback signed the bill.  State requirements

KRS 327.010(1) defines “physical therapy,” in part, as “the use of selected knowledge and skills … invasive or noninvasive procedures with emphasis on the skeletal system, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary function.” There is nothing in KRS Chapter 327 to prohibit a credential holder from performing dry needling so long as he or she has the requisite training, expertise, and experience to perform this function.

Pursuant to 201 KAR 22:053 Section 3, physical therapist assistants in Kentucky can provide physical therapy services under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist who has the requisite education, training and experience relating to those services.

That stated, the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy recognizes that both the American Physical Therapy Association and Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy have cautioned physical therapist assistants from engaging in dry needling, as they are not trained in the same competencies that qualify physical therapists to perform these services.  Prior to performing dry needling services, the Board recommends that the physical therapist assistant seek guidance on this issue by reviewing the Analysis of Competencies for Dry Needling by Physical Therapists Final Report located at: http://www.apta.org/StateIssues/DryNeedling/.

In May 2011, the Louisiana Board of Physical Therapy issued standards of practice for the utilization of dry needling techniques, which formally established dry needling in the scope of practice of a physical therapist. 

In June 2016, the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy ruled that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice.

In 1984, the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners was the first physical therapy board in the US that approved dry needling by physical therapists. State practice info.

In September 2012, the Mississippi Attorney General issued a legal opinion that “the Physical Therapy Board acted within the scope of its authority when promulgating the proposed rule including the use of needles for therapeutic treatment as a technique within the scope of the statutory definition of the practice of physical therapy. Practice guidelines

In May 2011, the Montana Board of Physical Therapy determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice. More info.

In June 2011, the Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy decided that “a Nebraska licensed physical therapist may perform dry needling as long as he/she can competently perform such a procedure. This does not include physical therapy assistants”.

On June 5, 2020, the Nevada Legislative Commission approved the attached regulation prescribing the qualifications required for physical therapists to perform dry needling. In summary, the qualifications include the completion of at least 150 hours of certain didactic education and training in dry needling, and submission of documentation to the Nevada Physical Therapy Board. This education requirement includes at least 25 hours of didactic education and training provided through a postgraduate course of study that requires the successful completion of in-person written and practical examinations.

In March 2002, the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice.

P.L. 2021,c.382 was signed by Governor Murphy on January 18, 2022 which permits physical therapists to perform dry needling under certain circumstances. The law becomes effective 90 days from January 18, 2022. Under this statute 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 dry needling continuing education and competency programs, which include at least 40 hours of academic instruction, attendance in person by a physical therapist, and the ability to complete the program in no more than two years. The programs are also required to include a minimum of 40 hours in practical hands-on instruction, under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience in the performance of dry needling or by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery in this State, in the application of technique of dry needling. Licensees must complete a total of 80 hours from Board Approved dry needling continuing education and competency programs to qualify to practice dry needling in New Jersey.  The Board approved dry needling continuing education and/or competency courses/programs at its May 24, 2022 meeting- go to Continuing Education Tab on the left side of the Board’s homepage. Then click on February 1, 2022 thru January 31, 2026 under Approved Continuing Education Course Lists. If you complete a course/program and it is not approved by the Board, it will not be in compliance with the law. Please check the Board’s website for updates regarding dry needling and dry needling continuing education and/or competency programs under Continuing Education and FAQ.

Summary of the bill.

In 1999, the New Mexico Physical Therapy determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice.

On December 7, 2018, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the Physical Therapy Board’s declaratory ruling affirming that dry needling constitutes physical therapy and falls within the scope of physical therapy in North Carolina.

In May 2013, the North Dakota Physical Therapy Board approved dry needling to be within the scope of physical therapy practice.

In January 2007, the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletics Trainers Board determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice. As with any specialized procedure, the physical therapist must have training and demonstrate competency in the modality. The manner in which the training is obtained and competency demonstrated are not addressed in the Practice Act. The PT Board recommends you contact the OPTA for approved coursework in dry needling at www.ohiopt.org .

In May 2012 the Rhode Island Board of Physical Therapy approved dry needling by physical therapists.

In October 2004, the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice

The board may approve a course of study in dry needling that meets the
following criteria:(1)  The course of study shall include:(a)  Surface anatomy as it relates to underlying tissues, organs, and other structures, including variations in form, proportion,
and anatomical landmarks;
(b)  Both emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary physiological effects or complications with dry
needling;
(c)  Both emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary emotional effects or complications associated
with dry needling;(d)  Standards for dry needle handling;(e)  Factors influencing safety and injury prevention;(f)  Personal protection procedures and techniques as related to dry needling;(g)  Theoretical basis for dry needling;(h)  Theoretical basis for combining dry needling with other interventions;(i)  Secondary effects or complications associated with dry needling on other systems;(j)  Theoretical basis of pain sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and relation to body structures and
function;(k)  Indications, contraindications, and precautions related to dry needling;(l)  Palpation techniques as related to dry needling;(m)  Needle insertion techniques;(n)  Needle manipulation techniques;(o)  Physiological responses to dry needling; and(p)  Solid filament needles;(2)  The majority of the course of study shall be in-person. Courses held entirely online or by other distance learning will not
satisfy this requirement; and

(3)  The physical therapist may only perform dry needling on the parts of the body included in the course of study.

Source: 45 SDR 9, effective August 1, 2018. General Authority: SDCL 36-10-52.Law Implemented: SDCL 36-10-52.

In January 2008, the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners determined that dry needling is within the scope of physical therapy practice. TX allows PT to take DN Courses  and currently they do not have any specific credential hours-requirements, but they said that it is the responsibility of the Licensee to make sure that he/she is competent enough to incorporate DN in their practice and use it safely.

On April 1: Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert signed into law HB 367. The legislation amends the Utah physical therapy statute to specifically add dry needling to the physical therapist scope of practice.

Guidance Document 112-9

Board of Physical Therapy Guidance on Dry Needling in the Practice of Physical Therapy Upon recommendation from the Task Force on Dry Needling, the board voted that dry needling is within the scope of practice of physical therapy

Effective July 2023: Washington approved Dry Needling for Physical Therapist.  Dry Needling Rules 

In July 2012 the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy issued its “Opinion regarding Dry Needling Therapy” and concluded that dry needling is within the scope of practice of “physical therapy”.

In a letter dated Aug 18 2009: the Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy affirmed that nothing in the current practice act would preclude PTs performing dry needling with proper credentials. 

Section 3. Evidence of competence; dry needling. 

(a) Dry needling may not be performed by a PTA or a physical therapy aide. 

(b) Licensed physical therapists shall demonstrate that they have received training in dry needling in a course approved by state boards of physical therapy, the American Physical Therapy Association or individual chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, or the International Association for Continuing 7-3 

Education Training. 

(i) The course shall include but not be limited to training in indications, contraindications, potential risks, proper hygiene, proper use and disposal of needles, and appropriate selection of clients. 

(ii) The course shall include a minimum of twenty-seven (27) hours of live face-to-face instruction. Online courses are not appropriate training in dry needling. 

(c) The physical therapist shall supply written documentation, upon request by the Board, that substantiates appropriate training as required by this rule. Failure to provide written documentation may result in disciplinary action taken by the Board.