1. A. Under A.R.S. § 32-2044(25), a physical therapist shall meet the qualifications established in subsection (C) before providing the skilled intervention “dry needling”, as defined in A.R.S. § 32-2001(4).
2. B. A physical therapist offering to provide or providing “dry needling” intervention shall provide to the Board documented proof of compliance with the qualifications listed in subsection (C) within 30 days after completing the course content in subsection (C) or within 30 days of initial licensure as a physical therapist in Arizona.

3. C. The Board has determined that only a “dry needling” course that meets the following standards provides the training and education necessary to qualify an individual to provide dry needling in Arizona:

   1. 1. The course is approved by one or more of the following entities before the course or courses is completed by the physical therapist.

      1. a. Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education,
      2. b. American Physical Therapy Association,
      3. c. State Chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association,
      4. d. Specialty Groups of the American Physical Therapy Association, or
      5. e. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

   2. 2. The course includes the following components:

      1. a. Sterile needle procedures consistent with the standards of one of the following:

         1. i. The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, or
         2. ii. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
      2. b. Anatomical review,
      3. c. Blood-borne pathogens, and
      4. d. Contraindications and indications for “dry needling.
   3. 3. The course requires participants to pass both a written and practical examination before completing the course.
   4. 4. The course requires at least 24 hours of education.
   5. 5. All practical aspects of the course, including the practical examination, are performed under supervision.

4. D. A physical therapist who performs dry needling shall:

   1. 1. Not delegate performing dry needling to assistive personnel.
   2. 2. Obtain consent for treatment for the “dry needling” intervention as required under R4-24-301.
   3. 3. Document the “dry needling” intervention in accordance with R4-24-304.

Appendix A. Repealed

Historical Note

Appendix A adopted effective June 3, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Amended effective April 10, 1986 (Supp. 86-2). Repealed effective May 7, 1990 (Supp. 90-2)

Appendix B. Repealed

Historical Note

Appendix B adopted effective June 3, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Amended effective April 10, 1986 (Supp. 86-2). Repealed effective May 7, 1990 (Supp. 90-2).

Historical Note

New Section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 924, effective July 1, 2015 (Supp. 15-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 31 A.A.R. 2377 (July 18, 2025), effective August 30, 2025 (Supp. 25-3).