Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 490 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Chapter 490-9 - CODE OF ETHICS
Rule 490-9-.05 - Dry Needling

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 490-9-.05

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues to affect change in body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments, and disability for preventative and therapeutic purposes.

(2) Dry needling must be performed by a licensed physical therapist who:

(a) Has consulted with an individual licensed pursuant to Article 2 or 4 of Chapter 34 of Title 43; and,

(b) Is specifically trained and competent by virtue of education and training to perform dry needling. Online study for dry needling instruction, with the exception of OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standards, will not be accepted as a demonstration of competence and training.

(3) A physical therapist has demonstrated specific and competent education and training when the licensee has submitted the following documentation to the Board:

(a) Proof of education in the OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard: and,

(b) At least one of the following:
1. Proof of graduation from an entry-level physical therapy program that included dry needling instruction consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum; or

2. Proof of graduation from a post-graduate credentialed residency or fellowship program of study that included dry needling instruction consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum; or

3. Proof of documented, successful completion of a didactic dry needling course of study consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum.

(4) Effective July 1, 2018, to perform dry needling in the state of Georgia licensed physical therapists and physical therapists applying for licensure must submit documentation of dry needling education and training into the online recording and reporting system approved by the Board.

(a) For the purposes of this requirement, the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy adopts the utilization of CE Broker.

(b) Licensees and applicants shall incur no additional costs from CE Broker for this service.

(c) Every licensee or applicant subject to the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy shall be deemed to have given such person's consent to the Board and its representatives to access their record retained within the online database for the purposes of auditing and verifying completion of the requirements for dry needling. Such person waives all objections to the admissibility of the record in any proceedings or hearings before the board.

(5) At the time of license renewal, each licensed physical therapist approved to perform dry needling shall attest that he or she is practicing dry needling in the state of Georgia in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(6) A violation of the provisions outlined in this Board rule or a false attestation on the renewal application is grounds for disciplinary action as determined by the Board.

O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-24; 43-1-25; 43-33-10(11); 43-33-16.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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