As a student and/or practitioner dedicated to a career in acupuncture, I've committed years of my life to mastering this intricate and profound healing art. This journey, at minimum, demands a Master's degree, thousands of hours in clinical training, passing rigorous State board exams,  and continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. This rigorous process ensures that acupuncturists are deeply knowledgeable, highly skilled, and above all, capable of providing safe care to patients.

If passed, Assembly Bill (AB) 2497 would allow physical therapists to perform dry needling with far less training than what is required of licensed acupuncturists. The potential for serious safety and competency concerns arises when individuals without the extensive education and training perform similar invasive procedures.

Dry needling, although distinct in practice, shares similarities with acupuncture in its use of needles and the potential impact on the body. It requires a depth of knowledge and skill to ensure patient safety and efficacy. Allowing physical therapists, who do not undergo the same rigorous training as acupuncturists, to engage in dry needling compromises not only patient safety but also the integrity of a well-established healthcare profession.

The insertion of needles into the human body is not a casual or narrowly technical act. It requires a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and nuanced diagnostic frameworks, as well as refined palpation skills and clinical judgment developed over years of dedicated study and practice. Even subtle errors in depth, angle, or location can result in serious harm, including pneumothorax, nerve injury, or infection.  Studies have shown that adequate training is crucial for the safe practice of needling techniques to minimize risks such as injury or infection. Legislation should not compromise on safety standards that protect the public.

Moreover, creating a two-tier system where physical therapists can perform dry needling with minimal training undermines the significant educational and professional standards upheld within the acupuncture community. It risks setting a dangerous precedent where shortcuts might be taken in training, potentially jeopardizing patient wellbeing.

We strongly support collaborative, integrative care among healthcare providers. However, collaboration should not come at the expense of lowering safety standards or bypassing the depth of training required for specialized procedures.

I urge you to join me in opposing AB 2497. By signing this petition, you support the fight to preserve patient safety, uphold professional integrity, and recognize the years of dedication students like myself commit to becoming qualified acupuncturists. Your signature matters. Let’s protect the art and science of acupuncture for the safety of all Californians.