Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Athletic Trainers [18 VAC 85 ‑ 120]
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5/3/25  8:53 am
Commenter: Acupuncturist

OPPOSE Athletic Trainer Dry Needling
 

I am OPPOSING 18 VAC 85-120

This is a dangerous addition to an athletic trainers scope of practice. They do not have enough training or experience to add this to their practice. Acupuncturists are required to complete at a minimum 3-4 years of rigorous education, pass extensive board examinations and acquire licensure. This includes extensive biomedical education and a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology. Additionally we must understand and adhere to clean needle techniques, and obtain certification in them. Additionally, we have to go through hundreds of hours of clinical supervision... is a weekend course enough? I hear the same story over and over from patients. One dry needling session by an inexperienced PT or trainer has left them in more pain than when they arrived. Athletic trainers performing dry needling is putting the public AT RISK for injury and infection. 

CommentID: 234189