Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1042
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Clarifying that the physical therapist scope of practice does not include dry needling.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Gregerson, Van De Wege and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/15
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed physical therapists may perform a variety of services, including:
examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitations in movement, and disability or other health and movement-related conditions;
alleviating impairments and functional limitations in movement;
performing wound care services;
reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability related to movement;
engaging in administration, consultation, education, and research; and
spinal manipulation (after being issued an endorsement).
The practice of dry needling is nether specifically allowed nor prohibited in statutes and rules relating to the scope of practice for physical therapists.
Summary of Bill:
Dry needling is not included in the term "physical therapy" for purposes of licensing and regulating physical therapists. "Dry needling" is defined as the insertion of a solid filament needle through the skin for a therapeutic effect and includes intramuscular stimulation, intramuscular manual therapy, trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular needling.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.