Holding a license from the board of medicine, I strongly oppose the amendment to 18VAC85-120-110. Dry needling is an invasive technique that should only be performed by trained, licensed acupuncturists. Allowing athletic trainers to do this without equivalent education is a serious risk to public safety.

I’ve spent over 1,900 hours studying anatomy, needle technique, clean needle safety, and supervised clinical practice to become a licensed acupuncturist. Granting dry needling privileges to athletic trainers, who do not undergo similar training, is dangerous and irresponsible. I strongly urge the Board to deny this amendment.

I’ve treated patients injured by unqualified dry needling - people with nerve damage, punctured lungs, and other serious complications. Please don’t lower Virginia’s standards. Protect our communities by keeping dry needling within the scope of licensed acupuncturists.