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GA HB809
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/12/2024
Primary Sponsor
Alan Powell
Click for details
AI Summary
- Authorizes licensed occupational therapists in Georgia to perform dry needling as a physical agent modality, defined as using a thin filiform needle to penetrate skin and stimulate neural, muscular, and connective tissues for managing neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, and movement impairments; explicitly excludes acupuncture
- Requires occupational therapists to have a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience, certification in physical agent modalities, and completion of specialized dry needling coursework covering musculoskeletal systems, pain mechanisms, myofascial trigger point theory, and universal precautions (the board may accept less experience if dry needling courses were completed during an OT program)
- Mandates a minimum of 28 hours of postgraduate instruction (22 hours in-person) to perform dry needling on upper extremities, and an additional 40 hours of in-person postgraduate instruction to perform dry needling on lower extremities; online-only instruction is not accepted
- Requires written informed consent from the patient before dry needling is performed, documenting risks, benefits, and the therapist's level of education and training, to be maintained in the patient's medical record
- Directs the board to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of physical agent modalities, including dry needling, by licensed occupational therapists
Legislative Description
Occupational therapists; perform dry needling as a physical agent modality if certain training and education requirements are met; authorize
Last Action
Senate Read Second Time
3/20/2024
Committee Referrals
Regulated Industries and Utilities2/13/2024
Health3/23/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available