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CS/HB 867 — Dry Needling by Occupational Therapists
by Health & Human Services Committee and Rep. Anderson (CS/SB 914 by Health Policy Committee and Senator Calatayud)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill authorizes occupational therapists to perform dry needling under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act and directs the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to adopt minimum standards governing its use. Those standards must address required experience and training, including at least two years of licensed practice, 50 hours of approved face-to-face continuing education, demonstrated psychomotor competency, and supervised clinical experience before independent practice.
The bill also requires patient consent, inclusion of dry needling in the patient’s documented plan of care, and prohibits delegation of the procedure to anyone other than an occupational therapist authorized to perform it. In addition, the Board may impose extra training and supervision requirements for dry needling of the head, neck, or torso if needed for patient safety.
The bill also requires the Department of Health to produce a report by December 31, 2028, on workforce trends and adverse incidents related to occupational therapists performing dry needling.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 112-2