Title of Regulation: 18VAC112-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy (adding 18VAC112-20-121).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: October 29, 2020.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Physical Therapy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4674, FAX (804) 527-4413, or email ptboard@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action establishes the qualifications for and limitations of the performance of dry needling by physical therapists, including referral and direction from a medical practitioner, training, requirements for additional post-graduate training, the content of the post-graduate training, and informed consent.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

18VAC112-20-121. Practice of dry needling.

A. Dry needling is an invasive procedure that requires referral and direction in accordance with § 54.1-3482 of the Code of Virginia. Referral should be in writing; if the initial referral is received orally, it shall be followed up with a written referral.

B. Dry needling is not an entry level skill but an advanced procedure that requires additional post-graduate training.

1. The training shall be specific to dry needling and shall include emergency preparedness and response, contraindications and precautions, secondary effects or complications, palpation and needle techniques, and physiological responses.

2. The training shall consist of didactic and hands-on laboratory education and shall include passage of a theoretical and practical examination. The hands-on laboratory education shall be face-to-face.

3. The training shall be in a course [ certified by FSBPT or ] approved or provided by a sponsor listed in subsection B of 18VAC112-20-131.

4. The practitioner shall not perform dry needling beyond the scope of the highest level of the practitioner's training. 

C. Prior to the performance of dry needling, the physical therapist shall obtain informed consent from the patient or [ his the patient's ] representative. The informed consent shall include the risks and benefits of the technique. The informed consent form shall be maintained in the patient record.

D. Dry needling shall only be performed by a physical therapist trained pursuant to subsection B of this section and shall not be delegated to a physical therapist assistant or other support personnel.