Arizona Senate Bill SB1205

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/22

Caption

Athletic trainers; dry needling

Impact

By explicitly allowing athletic trainers to perform dry needling within the boundaries of their licensure, SB1205 aims to enhance the treatment options available for athletes and individuals engaged in sports and fitness activities. The bill requires the board of athletic training to set professional standards and educational qualifications for trainers delivering this service, which is expected to elevate the overall training and competencies in the field of athletic training. This legislation may also influence insurance reimbursement policies related to dry needling and expand the scope of practice for athletic trainers.

Summary

SB1205, introduced by Senator Pace, seeks to amend sections 32-4101 and 32-4153 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill focuses on defining the scope of practice for athletic trainers, particularly regarding the implementation of dry needling as a therapeutic intervention. The bill establishes that dry needling is a skilled intervention performed by licensed athletic trainers to manage neuromusculoskeletal conditions, thereby expanding the athletic trainers' toolkit for treating athletic injuries and illnesses.

Contention

Notably, the bill has raised discussions around the potential risks associated with dry needling. Critics argue that without stringent regulations and comprehensive training, the practice could lead to misuse or harm for patients. There may also be pushback from other medical professions who may see dry needling as encroachment into their area of expertise. Moreover, the exemption of the board from certain rulemaking requirements until September 30, 2022, adds another layer of contention concerning accountability and process transparency in establishing guidelines for this practice.