Services Committee Meeting

Services Committee - Feb 02, 2026 at 02:00 PM

Meeting Information

A session of the Services Committee focused on the discussion and vote regarding Senate Bill 411, which proposes regulations for dry needling practices. The meeting included presentations, legal clause clarifications, historical context, and distinctions between dry needling and acupuncture.

Created
Feb 02, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Last Updated
Feb 02, 2026 at 11:24 PM

Meeting Summary

Senate Bill 411: Dry Needling Regulation

  • Senator Steele introduced Senate Bill 411, which aims to regulate dry needling practices by defining the procedure, establishing truth in advertising requirements, and setting training standards for practitioners. [Video 00:19:06]
  • The bill clarifies that physical and occupational therapists performing dry needling must not advertise themselves as acupuncturists, and mandates a minimum of fifty hours of training for occupational therapists to ensure consistent standards with physical therapists. [Video 00:20:51] [Video 00:22:26]

Clarification on Private Cause of Action

  • Committee members discussed a clause in SB 411 stating that a violation of the code does not constitute a private cause of action, clarifying that this applies to advertising disputes but does not limit remedies for medical malpractice, such as a pneumothorax caused by improper needling. [Video 00:23:10] [Video 00:23:58]

Distinction Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling

  • Senator Steele explained that dry needling typically involves inserting and removing needles to stimulate muscles after traumatic injury, while traditional acupuncture focuses on 'chi points' and involves leaving needles inserted for various therapies. [Video 00:27:29]

Unanimous Passage of Senate Bill 411

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