To whom it may concern,

I am writing to oppose the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to perform dry needling which is the same act as acupuncture using a filiform needle (acupuncture needle). The procedure is an invasive medical procedure requiring advanced knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and oversight and clinical training. Why would legislators back this bill which will increase risk of patients. Only trained certified providers should perform such invasive techniques, rather than a trainer with no clean or sterile needle certification nor medical training to manage special populations such as diabetics, immune compromised patients and emergencies that may arise due to the procedure. Complications due to poor needle insertion skills include collapsed lung, punctured artery, bleeding, nerve damage, broken needle, migration of needle, infection and so on. Only the most well-trained providers with medical training should be allowed to perform puncture with a filiform needle such as acupuncturists and physicians certified in acupuncture.