20:66:04:02.  Dry needling course of study. The State Board of Physical Therapy may approve a course of study in dry needling that meets the following criteria:

    (1)  The course of study covers:

        (a)  Surface anatomy as it relates to underlying tissues, organs, and other structures, including variations in form, proportion, and anatomical landmarks;

        (b)  Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary physiological effects or complications with dry needling;

        (c)  Emergency preparedness and response procedures related to secondary emotional effects or complications associated with dry needling;

        (d)  Standards for dry needle handling;

        (e)  Factors influencing safety and injury prevention;

        (f)  Personal protection procedures and techniques as related to dry needling;

        (g)  The theoretical basis for dry needling;

        (h)  The theoretical basis for combining dry needling with other interventions;

        (i)  Secondary effects or complications associated with dry needling on other systems of the human body;

        (j)  The theoretical basis of pain sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and relation to body structures and function;

        (k)  Indications, contraindications, and precautions related to dry needling;

        (l)  Palpation techniques as related to dry needling;

        (m)  Needle insertion techniques;

        (n)  Needle manipulation techniques;

        (o)  Physiological responses to dry needling; and

        (p)  Solid filament needles;

    (2)  The majority of the course of study is in-person; and

    (3)  The course is evaluated through a practical, hands-on evaluation and a written examination.

    A physical therapist may only perform dry needling on the parts of the body addressed in the course of study.

    Source: 45 SDR 9, effective August 1, 2018; 50 SDR 66, effective December 3, 2023.

    General Authority: SDCL 36-10-52.

    Law Implemented: SDCL 36-10-52.