To All Vested Parties,  

Many of my colleagues have passionately explained prior to my comment here why the Board of Medicine needs to adopt language updating the modality of Dry Needling performed by a licensed Athletic Trainer, and I thank them greatly for that. 

Outlining dry needling in the regulation for Athletic Trainers is the correct progression in healthcare expansion and access to care and treatments. To imagine a scenario where someone who attended an in-state university, received a degree in a state approved educational program, becomes licensed to practice their trade in said state, seeks additional training, but is met with restrictions on certain aspects of their abilities I would argue only drives future healthcare providers away from potential for Virginia. Retained healthcare workers in-state, small business growth, greater access to providers because of employability. All of these potential things rely on Virginia being at the forefront of medicine and making it the best place to practice. 

Codifying this in the regulation will make it clear for employers (and the public) that Athletic Trainers are permitted and capable of this modality. I request the Board acknowledge favorably the regulation petition set forth by the Athletic Training profession.

Thank you greatly for your time and consideration.