Board’s Interpretation of Dry Needling Statute: Academic Instruction

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October 28, 2022

Daniel Klim
Executive Director
American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey
101 North Broad Street, 2nd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608

Mr. Klim,

As per your request, below is the Board’s interpretation of the dry needling statute that was read into the minutes at its October 25, 2022 public meeting. The Board voted to make its interpretation effective as of the October 25, 2022.
The specific requirements of the current Dry Needling law provides qualifications that physical therapists shall meet before they engage in Dry Needling in their physical therapist practice. This includes 40 hours of academic instruction and 40 hours of practical hands-on instruction in dry needling. The statute further mandates that it is the Board that is to approve the required dry needling continuing education and competency programs that will satisfy the required instruction.

The Board recognizes that there are licensed physical therapist who obtained continuing education training in dry needling years before the issuance of the Attorney General’s decision in 2017 that halted the practice of Dry Needling by physical therapists in New Jersey. It is the interpretation of the Board that it will accept previously Board approved academic dry needling instruction totaling 40 hours. If the previously approved course does not total 40 hours the licensee shall make up the hours using a current board approved course that shall be completed within two years commencing current coursework. The academic instruction must total 40 hours and must meet the requirements in the statute as to content and qualifications of instructors, and include successful completion of an examination that captures psychomotor and cognitive performance.

The Board recognizes that licensees in NJ have not performed dry needling in their practices for at least five years. As the role of the Board is to protect the health and welfare of the consumers of the State of NJ, the Board is interpreting the statute to require that the 40 hours of hands-on instruction is to be completed by re-taking current Board approved courses. Thus, the required courses dealing with dry needling theory/academics may be satisfied by board approved courses previously taken (and totaling 40 hours) and the requirements for 40 hours in hands on instruction regarding dry needling shall be taken in a board approved course currently offered commencing in 2022. Previously board approved courses will not be accepted for the satisfaction of the 40 hours of hands on instruction required in the statute.

You are reminded that all requirements from the current law must be met by the previously board approved academic instruction as well as the entire list of conditions prior to the initiation of dry needling in your clinical practice. It is the responsibility of the Physical Therapist actively engaging in the practice of dry needling to be able to prove to the Board or any consumer who inquires about their qualifications that they have met the requirements in N.J.S.A. 45:9-37.34j. The production of a certificate of completion demonstrating satisfaction of a course is not sufficient to satisfy that request. The Board suggests that if you are relying on a previously Board approved course(s) that you gather the required information from the sponsor as soon as possible and maintain the materials in the event your qualifications are questioned.

NEW JERSEY STATE BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINERS

By: _______________________
Lisa Tadeo
Executive Director

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