I am writing to express strong opposition to the proposed amendment to 18VAC85-120-110, which would permit athletic trainers to perform dry needling.

Dryneedling is another way of calling acupuncture.  It should be performed by licensed acupuncturist who has in depth knowledge of the body and how it actually works.  Licensed acupuncturists go through years of training in order to be licensed.  Weekend dryneedling seminars that are offered to athletic trainers are not sufficient to provide safe and knowledgeable treatment for patients.  

This proposal threatens public safety, increases risk and liability to the Board of Medicine, and undermines the rigorous education and licensure standards that licensed acupuncturists must meet and are enacted by Virginia Law and regulations.
I urge the Board to reject this amendment and uphold the standards that ensure only properly trained professionals are permitted to perform dry needling.