1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Board” means the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

   2. (2) “Dry needling” means a physical therapy intervention, also known as intramuscular manual therapy, that:

      1. (a) Involves the insertion of one or more solid needles, a mechanical device, into the muscle and related tissues to affect change in muscle and related tissues;
      2. (b) Requires ongoing evaluation, assessment, and re-evaluation of the impairments;
      3. (c) Is only utilized in parts of the body with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal links to the impairments; and

      4. (d) Is not performed for:

         1. (i) The purposes of acupuncture as defined in Health Occupations Article, §1A-101, Annotated Code of Maryland; or
         2. (ii) Any purpose outside the scope of physical therapy.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §13-101 and 13-206, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 19, 2017 (44:12 Md. R. 588)

Regulation .03J amended effective August 27, 2018 (45:17 Md. R. 804)