TN HB0062

Athletic trainers in Tennessee are authorized to perform dry needling and use physical modalities (heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, mechanical devices) for prevention, evaluation, and treatment of athletic injuries under physician referral

Minimum competency requirements for dry needling include at least 50 hours of instruction covering musculoskeletal systems, pain mechanisms, trigger points, and universal precautions

An additional 24 hours of dry needling-specific instruction is required, covering technique, indications/contraindications, documentation, adverse effects management, and bloodborne pathogens protocol

Dry needling by athletic trainers is explicitly distinguished from acupuncture practice and does not fall under acupuncture regulations

Effective September 1, 2025, with rulemaking authority taking effect immediately upon signing (approved March 26, 2025)