Bill > HB0062

This bill amends Tennessee law to expand the scope of practice for athletic trainers by explicitly authorizing them to use dry needling, a technique involving the insertion of thin needles into muscle trigger points, when treating athletic injuries. The bill requires the Board of Athletic Trainers to establish minimum competency requirements for dry needling, which include comprehensive training: at least 50 hours of instruction covering musculoskeletal systems, pain mechanisms, trigger points, and universal precautions, and an additional 24 hours of dry needling-specific training in techniques, indications, documentation, adverse effect management, practical skills, and bloodborne pathogen protocols. Importantly, the bill clarifies that dry needling performed by athletic trainers does not constitute acupuncture, and athletic trainers may only practice in areas where they can substantiate competence through training or experience. The bill will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes, with full implementation scheduled for September 1, 2025, and requires board approval of the educational institutions and organizations providing the required training. The goal is to ensure that athletic trainers who perform dry needling have rigorous, standardized training to safely and effectively use this treatment method.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0062&ga=114