" Florida physical therapists cannot offer "dry needling" procedures to their patients, a state judge ruled Monday in a legal challenge filed by a group representing acupuncturists."

"Administrative Law Judge Lawrence P. Stevenson issued an order rejecting a proposed rule by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy that set minimum standards for physical therapists to use dry needling. Stevenson said the proposal exceeded the Board of Physical Therapy's "grant of rule marking authority because it would expand the scope of physical therapy practice, not merely establish a standard of practice."

" He noted that the law generally bans physical therapists from performing acupuncture, allowing it only when "no penetration of the skin occurs."

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