A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning dry needling by occupational therapists.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
On and after September 1, 2027, the bill authorizes an occupational therapist to perform dry needling 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; and
- Obtains a written informed consent from each patient for dry needling, including information concerning the potential benefits and risks of dry needling.
The director of the division of professions and occupations within the department of regulatory agencies is required to adopt rules to implement the bill.
Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 2SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 12-270-109.5 as
Page 2, Line 3follows:
Page 2, Line 412-270-109.5. Dry needling - rules.
Page 2, Line 5(1) On and after September 1, 2027, an occupational
Page 2, Line 6therapist may perform dry needling if the occupational
Page 2, Line 7therapist:
Page 2, Line 8(a) Has the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented
Page 2, Line 9competency to perform the act;
Page 2, Line 10(b) Has successfully completed a dry needling course of
Page 2, Line 11study that meets the supervisorial, educational, and clinical
Page 2, Line 12prerequisites established by rule pursuant to subsection (2) of
Page 2, Line 13this section; and
Page 2, Line 14(c) Obtains a written informed consent from each patient
Page 2, Line 15for dry needling, including information concerning the
Page 2, Line 16potential benefits and risks of dry needling.
Page 2, Line 17(2) On or before June 1, 2027, the director shall adopt
Page 2, Line 18rules to establish the requirements for an occupational
Page 2, Line 19therapist to perform dry needling in order to ensure adequate
Page 2, Line 20protection of the public. Prior to adopting the rules, the
Page 2, Line 21director shall seek input from the Colorado medical board
Page 2, Line 22created in section 12-240-105 (1).
Page 3, Line 1(3) Notwithstanding section 12-200-103 (5), the
Page 3, Line 2performance of dry needling by an occupational therapist in
Page 3, Line 3accordance with this section is not the practice of acupuncture
Page 3, Line 4and is not a violation of section 12-200-108.
Page 3, Line 5SECTION 2. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 3, Line 6takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 3, Line 7ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August
Page 3, Line 812, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13, 2026); except that, if a
Page 3, Line 9referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the
Page 3, Line 10state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act
Page 3, Line 11within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect
Page 3, Line 12unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 3, Line 13November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the
Page 3, Line 14official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.