Why is dry needling not legal in some states?

Dry needling is often not legal in some states due to outdated wording in practice acts. Many states have regulations that govern the scope of practice for various health professionals, and these laws may not explicitly include or recognize dry needling as a legitimate practice within physical therapy or other fields. Because the practice acts were originally written before dry needling became popularized, they fail to establish clear guidelines or permissions regarding its use, which can lead to legal ambiguity.

This lack of clear legislative support can create barriers for practitioners wishing to use dry needling as a therapy. Therefore, updating these practice acts to reflect the evolving nature of therapeutic modalities is key to ensuring that practitioners are protected and that patients receive appropriate care options. The presence of outdated language can inadvertently restrict the practice, even in the context of evidence safety and efficacy.