1. (1) In order to perform dry needling, an athletic trainer must obtain all of the educational instruction described in subparagraphs (2)(a) and (2)(b) herein. All such educational instruction must be obtained in person and may not be obtained online or through video conferencing.

2. (2) Mandatory Training - Before performing dry needling, a practitioner must complete educational requirements in each of the following areas:

   1. (a) Fifty (50) hours of instruction, to include instruction in each of the four (4) areas listed herein:

      1. 1. Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular systems;
      2. 2. Anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic pain, and referral pain;
      3. 3. Trigger Points;
      4. 4. Universal Precautions; and

   2. (b) Twenty-four (24) hours of dry needling specific instruction. The twenty-four (24) hours must include instruction in each of the following six (6) areas:

      1. 1. Dry needling technique;
      2. 2. Dry needling indications and contraindications;
      3. 3. Documentation of dry needling;
      4. 4. Management of adverse effects;
      5. 5. Practical psychomotor competency; and
      6. 6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Protocol.
   3. (c) Each instructional course shall specify what anatomical regions are covered by the course and describe whether the course includes introductory or advanced instruction in dry needling. THE PRACTICE OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS
   4. (d) Each course must be approved by the Board.
3. (3) A newly licensed athletic trainer shall not practice dry needling for at least one (1) year from the date of initial licensure, unless he/she can demonstrate compliance with paragraph (2) upon his/her initial application.
4. (4) Any athletic trainer who obtained the requisite twenty-four (24) hours of instruction as described in subparagraph (2)(b) in another state or country must provide the same documentation to the Board, as described in subparagraph (2)(b), that is required of a course provider.
5. (5) An athletic trainer practicing dry needling must supply written documentation, upon request by the Board, that substantiates appropriate training as required by this rule.
6. (6) All patients receiving dry needling shall be provided with information from the patient’s athletic trainer that includes a definition and description of the practice of dry needling and a description of the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of dry needling.

Authority: T.C.A. § 63-24-111. Administrative History: Emergency rule filed January 8, 2026; effective through July 7, 2026. New rule filed March 26, 2026; effective June 24, 2026.