Sec. 10.38.12.03. Minimum Education and Training Necessary to Perform Dry Needling

A. In order to perform dry needling, a physical therapist shall have at least 80 total hours of instruction, which includes:

(1) A total of at least 40 hours of instruction in the following dry needling-specific course content areas:

(a) Theory and application of dry needling;

(b) Dry needling technique, including spine and extremities;

(c) Dry needling indications and contraindications;

(d) Infection control, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogen Protocol, and safe handling of needles;

(e) Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to complications associated with dry needling; and

(f) Appropriate documentation of dry needling; and

(2) At least 40 hours of practical, hands-on instruction in the application and technique of dry needling, under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner competent in dry needling procedures who has:

(a) Completed the requisite course work under §A(1) of this regulation; and

(b) Practiced dry needling for at least 5 years.

B. The instruction required under §A(1) of this regulation shall be provided by a continuing education course sponsored by:

(1) The American Physical Therapy Association;

(2) The APTA of Maryland;

(3) The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; or

(4) The United States Armed Forces.

C. A continuing education course taken before June 19, 2018 shall qualify for instruction if the same course, in substantially similar form, is later sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTA of Maryland, or the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

D. All instruction required under this regulation shall include an assessment of competency.

E. The instruction required under §A(1) of this regulation shall be offered:

(1) In person at a face-to-face session; or

(2) In real time through electronic means that allow for simultaneous interaction between the instructor and the participants.

F. A physical therapist may not fulfill any portion of the practical, hands-on instruction required under §A(2) of this regulation with online or distance learning.

G. A physical therapist shall have practiced physical therapy for at least 2 years before performing dry needling in the State.

H. Registration.

(1) A physical therapist shall be registered with the Board as having the appropriate education and training required by this regulation before the physical therapist may practice dry needling.

(2) In order to be registered to practice dry needling, a physical therapist shall:

(a) Submit a completed application on a form supplied by the Board; and

(b) Pay a registration fee as established by COMAR 10.38.07.

I. A physical therapist who practices dry needling without the education and training required by this regulation shall be subject to discipline pursuant to COMAR 10.38.10.04A(4).