Bill > HB165

This bill amends Delaware law to authorize physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists to perform dry needling, a therapeutic intervention using thin filiform needles to penetrate skin and stimulate muscular and connective tissues for managing neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. The bill establishes specific requirements and limitations for this practice, including that practitioners must first obtain a written physician referral before performing dry needling and cannot advertise themselves as acupuncturists unless they are licensed as such. The bill defines key terms like "dry needling" and "trigger points" (hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle associated with palpable nodules) and requires the relevant professional boards to establish training and practice standards for dry needling. The legislation applies to three different professional licensing chapters in Delaware's legal code, providing a consistent framework for dry needling across physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists. The bill will take effect six months after its enactment, giving professionals time to prepare for the new regulatory requirements and potentially seek additional training in the technique.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142308