Dry Needling Rule Held to be Invalid

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:11:54 GMT

Florida Administrative Law Judge Lawrence Stevenson ruled on Monday, January 28 that the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice’s proposed rule governing the performance of dry needling is invalid. Judge Stevenson found that dry needling performed by physical therapists would neither pose an increased risk of harm to patients nor cause patients to confuse dry needling with acupuncture. He also rejected the Florida State Oriental Medical Association’s argument that dry needling constitutes cultural misappropriation as well as the suggestion that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy precludes the use of acupuncture needles in physical therapy.

But despite finding that the evidence demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and benefits of dry needling performed by physical therapists, Judge Stevenson concluded that dry needling is outside the scope of physical therapy practice because it constitutes acupuncture under “the plain, if perhaps outdated, language of the Florida Statutes.”

FPTA attorneys are evaluating the final order. Additionally, the ruling’s impact will require the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice to analyze the ruling and determine whether they will appeal the ruling.

On behalf of the FPTA we extend our deepest appreciation to the members, world renowned experts, Board of Physical Therapy Practice, and attorneys who worked so tirelessly in support of the rule adoption.

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Dry Needling Rule Held to be Invalid