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]
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
5/2/25  11:26 am
Commenter: Ann Mertens, LAc

I oppose
 

"Dry needling" is acupuncture: it is the insertion of a filiform needle into the body. Anyone performing acupuncture should be trained as an acupuncturist, which requires obtaining a minimum of a Master's degree, successfully passing national board exams to demonstrate proficiency, and completing a supervised internship of hands-on practice. A weekend course in "dry needling" is inadequate to be able to practice acupuncture effectively and safely. If Athletic Trainers want to perform acupuncture, they should obtain a degree in acupuncture and become licensed acupuncturists. Education matters. 

CommentID: 234156