Dry needling is acupuncture.  It uses acupuncture needles, acupuncture points (trigger points or Ashi points), applies the insertion of needles into the skin, and shares mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.

The state of Virginia currently requires acupuncturists applying for licensure: (1). to gradutate from a 3-year accredited program with minimum of 1905 hours of education, and at least 660 hours of which must be clinical; (2). to pass three national board certification exams and a separate Clean Needle Technique exam; (3). to complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their national board certification status. 

It would endanger the public by allowing the practice of acupuncture without any of the education and safety requirements currrently required to practice acupuncture. If physical therapists want to practice acupuncture, they should meet the same education and licsense requirements.  The legislation being proposed by the Virgina State Physcial Therapy Board should NOT be passed.