The proposed Virginia bill, which appears to expand the scope of practice for athletic trainers, raises significant concerns about public safety due to the limited anatomical knowledge and training of athletic trainers compared to licensed acupuncturists. While athletic trainers play a valuable role in sports medicine, their expertise is narrowly focused on musculoskeletal issues, primarily muscles and joints, and lacks the comprehensive understanding of the body’s complex systems required for safe and effective practice in broader therapeutic contexts.

Athletic trainers are trained to address acute injuries and support rehabilitation, with a curriculum centered on biomechanics, muscle function, and basic injury management. Their knowledge of anatomy is functional but superficial, often limited to surface-level structures like muscles, tendons, and bones. They are not required to study the intricate network of nerves, blood vessels, or organ systems in the depth necessary for procedures that could affect these structures. For example, techniques involving deep tissue manipulation or needle-based interventions, which may be implied in an expanded scope, demand precise knowledge of neurovascular pathways to avoid serious complications such as nerve damage or vascular injury. Without rigorous training in these areas, athletic trainers risk causing harm, even with the best intentions.

In contrast, licensed acupuncturists undergo extensive education in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, with a particular emphasis on the body’s interconnected systems. Their training includes hundreds of hours studying meridian pathways, nerve distributions, and organ relationships, enabling them to safely navigate the body’s complex anatomy. Acupuncturists are also required to complete supervised clinical practice, ensuring they can apply their knowledge with precision. This depth of preparation equips them to perform interventions like dry needling or manual therapies without endangering patients.

Allowing athletic trainers to expand their scope without equivalent training undermines public safety and devalues the expertise of licensed professionals. The potential for harm—whether through misdiagnosis, improper technique, or unintended injury—is too great to ignore. Virginia must prioritize patient well-being by ensuring that only those with comprehensive anatomical knowledge and specialized training are permitted to perform advanced therapeutic procedures.