20 : 66 : 04 : 02 . Dry needling course of study. The State Board of Physical Therapy may approve a course of study in dry needling that meets the following criteria:

1. (1) The course of study covers:

   1. (a) Surface anatomy as it relates to underlying tissues, organs, and other structures, including variations in form, proportion, and anatomical landmarks;
   2. (b) Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary physiological effects or complications with dry needling;
   3. (c) Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary emotional effects or complications associated with dry needling;
   4. (d) Standards for dry needle handling;
   5. (e) Factors influencing safety and injury prevention;
   6. (f) Personal protection procedures and techniques as related to dry needling;
   7. (g) The theoretical basis for dry needling;
   8. (h) The theoretical basis for combining dry needling with other interventions;
   9. (i) Secondary effects or complications associated with dry needling on other systems of the human body;
   10. (j) The theoretical basis of pain sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and relation to body structures and function;
   11. (k) Indications, contraindications, and precautions related to dry needling;
   12. (l) Palpation techniques as related to dry needling;
   13. (m) Needle insertion techniques;
   14. (n) Needle manipulation techniques;
   15. (o) Physiological responses to dry needling; and
   16. (p) Solid filament needles;
2. (2) The majority of the course of study is in-person; and

3. (3) The course is evaluated through a practical, hands-on evaluation and a written examination.

   A physical therapist may only perform dry needling on the parts of the body addressed in the course of study.

Source: 45 SDR 9, effective August 1, 2018 ; 50 SDR 66, effective December 3, 2023 .

General Authority: SDCL 36-10-52 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 36-10-52 .

Prior versions effective: 2018-08-01.