C.R.S. § 12-270-109.5: Dry needling - rules.

(1) On and after September 1, 2027, an occupational therapist may perform dry needling if the occupational therapist:

(a) Has the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform the act;

(b) Has successfully completed a dry needling course of study that meets the supervisorial, educational, and clinical prerequisites established by rule pursuant to subsection (2) of this section; and

(c) Obtains a written informed consent from each patient for dry needling, including:

(I) Information concerning the potential benefits and risks of dry needling; and

(II) A statement that the occupational therapist performing dry needling is not an acupuncturist.

(2) On or before June 1, 2027, the director shall adopt rules to establish the requirements for an occupational therapist to perform dry needling in order to ensure adequate protection of the public. At a minimum, the rules must establish requirements that are equivalent to the requirements established in rules adopted by the state physical therapy board pursuant to section 12-285-116 (5)(b) authorizing a physical therapist to perform dry needling. Prior to adopting the rules, the director shall seek input from the Colorado medical board created in section 12-240-105 (1).

(3) Notwithstanding section 12-200-103 (5), the performance of dry needling by an occupational therapist in accordance with this section is not the practice of acupuncture and is not a violation of section 12-200-108.