(1) Definition. Dry Needling is a technique
within the scope of chiropractic medicine where the practitioner uses a
filiform needle to stimulate trigger points and treat neuromuscular pain and
deficit in functional movement. Dry Needling is appropriately indicated only
after an examination and diagnosis consistent with its use where specific
anatomical entities are identified according to physical signs.
Dry Needling does not include stimulation of auricular or
distal points nor auricular detoxification, the latter being strictly limited
to the five ear-part treatment protocol for detoxification, substance abuse or
chemical dependency as set out by the National Acupuncture Detoxification
Association.
(2) Must
complete in order to perform Dry Needling, a licensed chiropractor:
(a) Must be certified and maintain
certification in acupuncture as mandated by Board Rule 190-X-3.01 and any
future amendment thereto; and/or
(b) Submit documentation of completion of a
Dry Needling course of study approved by the Board, which at a minimum shall
include 12 hours of live face to face Dry Needling study.
Online or distance based courses do not qualify as an approved
course of study.
(3) Specific and written informed consent
shall be obtained prior to performing Dry Needling and made a permanent part of
the patient's record. At a minimum, the informed consent must include risks and
benefits of the procedure(s).
In addition, the patient record must clearly indicate and
document the performance of the procedure(s), how the patient tolerated the
procedure(s) and outcome. This documentation shall be in addition to the record
keeping requirements of Board Rule 190-X-5.09, any future amendments or any
requirements adopted in the future.
(4) Dry Needling is a non-delegable procedure
to be performed only by licensed chiropractors meeting the requirements of this
Rule.
(5) Dry Needling must be
performed in a manner consistent with generally accepted standard of practice
to include clean needle techniques and all applicable standards relating to
infection control.
(6) Upon request
by the Board, any licensed chiropractor performing Dry Needling must submit
within 10 days documentation demonstrating compliance with this Rule, to
include but not limited to the required informed consent, sampling of patient
records and infection control procedures. Failure to provide the requested
information may result in the Board taking appropriate measures to prevent the
licensed chiropractor from performing Dry Needling until compliance is
demonstrated in addition to any other disciplinary action deemed
appropriate.
Notes
Ala. Admin. Code r.
190-X-3-.03
Amended by
Alabama
Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 01, October 31,
2018, eff. 11/29/2018.
Amended by
Alabama
Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 07, April 30,
2019, eff. 3/27/2019.
Author: Board
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
1975, ยงยง
34-24-144,
34-24-165.
