Multiple studies evaluating the safety and best practices for dry needling all cite "accurate anatomical knowledge" as one of the most important predictors of safety when dry needling, and athletic trainers have this expertise.

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are licensed Healthcare Providers who require Master's Level education, which includes substantial training in musculoskeletal anatomy, injury assessment, immediate care, and therapeutic interventions (modalities and rehabilitation). Athletic Trainers undergo rigorous supervised clinical fieldwork with our day-to-day tasks often involving palpation-based assessments, which is again critical for safe needle placement.

Also, our neighboring states of Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia already allow Athletic Trainers to perform dry needling, along with other states across the nation.  I am in full support of the VA Board of Medicine allowing ATs to perform dry needling, as athletic trainers are qualified, educated, and experienced clinicians whose scope of practice aligns with the use of dry needles.