LAC 46:LIV.311. Treatment with Dry Needling

A. The purpose of this rule is to establish standards of practice, as authorized by R.S. 37:2405 A.(8), for the utilization of dry needling techniques, as defined in §123, in treating patients. B. Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment which requires specialized physical therapy education and training for the utilization of such techniques. Prior to utilizing dry needling techniques in patient treatment, a PT shall have successfully completed a board-approved course of study consisting of no fewer than 25 hours of in-person, hands-on instruction in intramuscular dry needling treatment and safety. Online and other distance learning courses will not satisfy this requirement. Practicing dry needling without compliance with this requirement constitutes unprofessional conduct and subjects a licensee to appropriate discipline by the board. C. In order to obtain board approval for courses of instruction in dry needling, sponsors must document that instructors utilized have had no less than two years experience utilizing such techniques. Instructors need not be physical therapists, but should be licensed or certified as a healthcare provider in the state of their residence. D. Prior to performing the initial dry needling treatment on a patient the physical therapist shall educate the patient of the potential risks and benefits of dry needling and receive informed consent from the patient. Documentation of the education and consent shall be maintained in the patient treatment record. E. Dry needling treatment shall be performed in a manner consistent with generally accepted standards of practice, including sterile needle procedures and the standards of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment notes shall document how the patient tolerated the technique and the outcome of treatments. F. PT students who have met the requirements of paragraph B. above may practice dry needling under the continuous supervision of a PT who has successfully completed the dry needling training requirements.