This rule informs licensed Florida physical therapists of the level of competence required to perform the western medicine evidence-based physical therapy technique of dry needling.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Physical Therapy Practice

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B17-6.008Minimum Standards of Practice for Dry Needling in the Practice of Physical Therapy

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This rule informs licensed Florida physical therapists of the level of competence required to perform the western medicine evidence-based physical therapy technique of dry needling.

SUMMARY: This rule sets forth the minimum standards and competence required for a Florida licensed physical therapist to perform the western medicine evidence-based physical therapy technique of dry needling.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board concluded that there is no reason to expect that this rule change will have any impact on licensees and their businesses or the businesses that employ them. The rule will not increase any fees, business costs, personnel costs, will not decrease profit opportunities, and will not require any specialized knowledge to comply. This change will not increase any direct or indirect regulatory costs. Hence, the Board determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 486.025 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 486.021(11) FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Allen Hall, Executive Director, Board of Physical Therapy Practice, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C05, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0797, [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B17-6.008 Minimum Standards of Practice for Dry Needling in the Practice of Physical Therapy

(1) For the purpose of this rule, “dry needling” is a skilled technique based on western medical concepts performed by a physical therapist using apparatus or equipment of filiform needles to penetrate the skin and/or underlying tissues to affect change in body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments, and disability.

(2) The minimum standards of practice for dry needling in the practice of physical therapy shall include competence demonstrated by successful completion of education that includes the subject areas listed in the following paragraphs, and that is accredited, sponsored, or approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Physical Therapy Association, the Florida Physical Therapy Association, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, or any branch of the United States Armed Forces:

(a) Evidence-based instruction on the theory of dry needling practice; and

(b) Selection and safe handling of needles and other apparatus and equipment, including hygiene and infection control pursuant to relevant standards of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and

(c) Dry needling indications and contraindications; and

(d) Anatomical review for safety and effectiveness as it applies to dry needling; and

(e) Psychomotor skills needed to physically perform dry needling; and

(f) Postintervention care, including an adverse response or emergency.

(3) The education shall include a face-to-face component with interaction with the course instructor and an in-person examination of cognitive and psychomotor skills related to dry needling.

(4) A physical therapist who performs or offers to perform dry needling shall supply the Department, upon request, with written documentation of his or her competence to perform dry needling.

(5) A physical therapist shall not delegate the practice of dry needling to a physical therapist assistant, unlicensed personnel, or any other person who is not a physical therapist.

Rulemaking Authority 486.025 FS. Law Implemented 486.021(11) FS. History–New ______________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Physical Therapy Practice

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Physical Therapy Practice

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 08, 2018

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 30, 2017