Kotek Signs Dry Needling Bill Into Law

Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday signed into law a measure allowing physical therapists to practice dry needling.

Kotek said previously she was considering vetoing the legislation. Acupuncturist groups had argued it would allow physical therapists, with insufficient training, to perform a primitive form of acupuncture by another name, endangering patients while tarnishing and discriminating against the acupuncture profession, where professionals must complete intensive study before receiving a license.

For their part, PTs argued dry needling—whereby needles are temporarily inserted into a body to manage pain and promote movement—was a useful and safe tool, which their colleagues in most other U.S. states were already permitted to deploy.

In a letter stating her rationale, Kotek said the me