HB 26-1042

House Bill 26-1042, which has been signed into law, allows occupational therapists in Colorado to perform dry needling starting September 1, 2027. To do this, they must complete a specific course and prove their competency, get patient consent that includes the risks and benefits of dry needling, and clarify that they are not acupuncturists. This change requires the state to create rules ensuring occupational therapists meet similar standards as physical therapists who already perform dry needling. The law affects patients seeking pain relief through occupational therapy and occupational therapists looking to expand their treatment options.

Official Summary

The act authorizes an occupational therapist to perform dry needling on and after September 1, 2027, if the occupational therapist:Has the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform the act;Has successfully completed a dry needling course of study that meets supervisorial, educational, and clinical prerequisites to be established by rule; andObtains a written informed consent from each patient for dry needling, including information concerning the potential benefits and risks of dry needling and a statement that the occupational therapist performing dry needling is not an acupuncturist.     The act requires the director of the division of professions and occupations within the department of regulatory agencies to adopt rules to implement the authorization for an occupational therapist to perform dry needling. At a minimum, the rules must establish requirements for dry needling performed by an occupational therapist that are equivalent to the requirements in rules adopted by the state physical therapy board for dry needling performed by a physical therapist.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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