Acupuncture has been practiced safely for thousands of years. We use solid needles to stimulate either acupoints with known names on meridians or acupoints not fixed in every patient, which we called Arshi points (living acupoints or pain points).  The trigger points are equivalent to Arshi points.  The Arshi points were first discovered and used by acupuncturists back in year 652!  It is not the invention of physical therapists. The acupuncturists have enough education and training to understand the complexity of the human body through the connection of meridians.  By stimulating points on the surface, we can regulate the vital energy Qi, harmonize Yin&Yang, and elicit physical response. The needles will be used by PTs are the same solid needles (not wet) acupuncturists used.  Acupuncturists will insert the needles the same way if not better as PTS.  So THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE OF ACUPUNCTURE AND DRY NEEDLING.
The Board's statement of "Acupuncture and dry needling technique are similar but not the same (From Wikipedia)." is very weak.  How can you use Wikipedia as your only source to determine this important concept?  Do you mean the difference is that dry needling can only reflect part of acupuncture?
As a medical practitioner, I always know PT is very effective if done by well trained ones. Please retain yourselves in your definition: § 54.1-3473. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:... "Practice of physical therapy" means that branch of the healing arts that is concerned with, upon medical referral and direction, the evaluation, testing, treatment, reeducation and rehabilitation by physical, mechanical or electronic measures and procedures of individuals ... The practice of physical therapy also includes the administration, interpretation, documentation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures within the scope of practice of the physical therapist. However, the practice of physical therapy does not include ...and surgical purposes including cauterization."  Inserting needles is a serious procedure.  Comparing the 3000-3600 hours education acupuncturists get to 54 hours PTs will get, it is definitely endangering the public's safety.  Don't argue about the 3 year PT education, the focus is totally different. Please get the full acupuncture education and license before practice dry needling.
The cost of acupuncture is much lower than PT.  Most of the acupuncturists are small business owners.  To insert acupuncture needles to treat patients is their only way of getting paid.  However, acupuncturists are not reimbursed considerately.  So we are already difficult to make ends meet.  Allowing PT to dry needling will surely drive these small business owners out of business.
Thank you