My name is Jitao Bai and I am a licensed acupuncturist in GA since 2001.  

 Dry needling is a type of acupuncture, which is adopted by physical therapists to treat the pain related conditions. The technique is exactly same as acupuncture with the same locations (PTs name the locations as trigger-points) and same needles. In the US, it is requested by the NCCAOM (National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) that Acupuncturists must obtain a Master degree after 3-4 years training in both oriental medicine and biomedicine, which includes at least 1365 hours of acupuncture-specific training. In most states including Georgia acupuncturists are required to pass a national competency exam by NCCAOM.

 I graduated from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine where I studied acupuncture for five years.  I have been practicing acupuncture for over 20 years including 15 years here in the US and 7 years in China. Even the most experienced acupuncturist need to be careful practicing to prevent the accident such as pneumothorax.  I believe that very limited hours training for physical therapists without any clinical supervision will increase the risk of malpractice. In fact there has been cases reported related malpractice of dry needle. 

Another concern is there is No third party exam, NO such kind of national or state wide standard exams for physical therapists on dry needling as NCCAOM certification of Acupuncture to make sure physical therapists are qualified to practice dry needling which is same as acupuncture. I strongly oppose the proposed dry needling practice by PTs with only several weekends training . PTS should have the same training as the acupuncturists. 

 Please take action to stop this considering the safety of public health.

Thank you in advance,

 Jitao Bai
 

 Jitao Bai, Lac,  Dipl. O.M

  www.AcupunctureHealingAtlanta.com

 1868 Independence Square Suite A

Dunwoody, GA 30338

 (770)-393-9090