Bill > S0914

This bill defines "dry needling" as a medical technique using fine needles to stimulate a myofascial trigger point, which is an irritable spot in soft tissue often found in muscle fibers, for treating pain and movement issues, and it requires the Board of Occupational Therapy to set specific standards for occupational therapists performing this procedure. These standards include having two years of licensed practice, completing 50 hours of approved continuing education on dry needling that demonstrates practical skills, and either performing 25 supervised patient sessions or having completed 25 sessions as a licensed practitioner in another state or the military, with patient consent and a documented plan of care being mandatory, and prohibiting delegation of the procedure to anyone other than a qualified occupational therapist. The bill also mandates that the Board may establish additional training and supervision requirements for dry needling on the head, neck, or torso if deemed necessary for patient safety, and directs the Department of Health to report data on occupational therapists performing dry needling and any related adverse incidents to the Legislature by December 31, 2028, with the provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

Health Policy (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/914