Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Athletic Trainers [18 VAC 85 ‑ 120]
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4/24/25  9:22 am
Commenter: david m blaiwas

Oppose Athletic trainers being allowed to perform Dry Needlingt/Acupundture
 

Licensed Acupuncturists must complete a 3-4 year program of study accredited by a US  regulatory  agency before they can even apply for a medical license to practice acupuncture. These programs entail hundreds of hours of theory and clinical practice in needling, and the physiological implications and dangers of penetrating the body with needles.

Athletic trainers, and any other profession,  MUST be required to complete this same level of training and practice to insure public safety. There are many reports and incidents of under-trained professionals utilizing needles causing extreme harm to clients. 

Medical Board's nationwide are charged with protecting the health and safety of the public above all else.  Allowing undertrained professionals to perform Dry Needling/Acupuncture or any technique that is invasive to body is irresponsible, and a clear threat to public safety. 

Please research reports of  pneumothorax, prolapsed organs, internal infections caused by needle insertions,  and you will find the majority of these incidents were caused by  undertrained practitioners using needles. 

CommentID: 233898