Dry needling is an invasive procedure that requires a licensed acupuncturist with in-depth knowledge, specialized clinical training who has developed safe needling techniques. An acupuncturist’s main tool/modality is the act of needling. An acupuncture degree takes an average of 2,500 hours(3 year masters degree) of both classroom and clinical instruction. Insufficient education and training will cause potential complications such as infection, nerve damage, or pneumothorax.

This proposal threatens the safety of the public, increases risk and liability to the practice of medicine, and undermines the rigorous education and licensure standards enacted by the state of Virginia, which licensed acupuncturists must meet. 

I urge the Board to reject this amendment and uphold the standards that ensure only properly trained professionals are permitted to perform dry needling.