Services Committee Meeting on Dry Needling Bill
Services Committee
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Feb 02, 2026 at 02:00 AM
Meeting Information
This meeting of the Services Committee focused on the consideration and passage of Senate Bill 411, which addresses the regulation of dry needling practices. The discussion included defining dry needling and acupuncture, outlining training requirements for practitioners, and clarifying legal provisions related to the practice.
Meeting Summary
Introduction of Senate Bill 411
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The Services Committee convened to discuss Senate Bill 411, which focuses on dry needling, a topic previously addressed approximately ten years ago. [Video 00:18:19]
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 411
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Senator Still presented Senate Bill 411, explaining that it defines dry needling and differentiates it from traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, which focuses on "chi points" and leaving needles inserted for therapies. [Video 00:19:00]
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The bill clarifies that physical therapists and occupational therapists performing dry needling typically insert and remove needles to stimulate muscles, and they are prohibited from advertising themselves as acupuncturists. [Video 00:20:03]
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Senate Bill 411 requires occupational therapists to have a minimum of fifty hours of training to ensure consistent standards with physical therapists. [Video 00:21:46]
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The bill removes the requirement for acupuncturists to complete an additional year of postgraduate experience, a measure intended to reduce barriers to entry into the field. [Video 00:22:30]
Committee Discussion and Clarifications
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Committee members inquired about the legal implications of lines 38-40 in the bill, which state that a violation does not constitute a private cause of action but does not limit other legal remedies, such as medical malpractice lawsuits for patient harm. [Video 00:23:16]
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A historical perspective was shared, noting the significant progress made in integrating acupuncture and dry needling into medical practice, overcoming past resistance from the medical association. [Video 00:25:42]
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The difference between dry needling and acupuncture was explained: dry needling targets specific muscle points for reactivation after injury, while acupuncture involves inserting needles into various body parts based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. [Video 00:27:29]
Vote and Adjournment
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The committee unanimously voted to pass Senate Bill 411. [Video 00:29:28]
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The meeting concluded with good and welfare announcements, including the introduction of Dr. Bala, an emergency medicine resident at Emory, who will be doing a health policy fellowship. [Video 00:29:45]
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