Sec. 10.38.12.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Board" means the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

(2) "Dry needling" means a physical therapy intervention, also known as intramuscular manual therapy, that:

(a) Involves the insertion of one or more solid needles, a mechanical device, into the muscle and related tissues to affect change in muscle and related tissues;

(b) Requires ongoing evaluation, assessment, and re-evaluation of the impairments;

(c) Is only utilized in parts of the body with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal links to the impairments; and

(d) Is not performed for:

(i) The purposes of acupuncture as defined in Health Occupations Article, §1A-101, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(ii) Any purpose outside the scope of physical therapy.