Dry needling by occupational therapists and assistants would have required therapy exams, diagnoses, and specific written doctor referrals

Occupational therapists and assistants could have performed dry needling after an occupational therapy exam and diagnosis and a doctor's written referral specifically for dry needling. This covered licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants treating Delaware patients with pain or movement problems. The doctor could have sent the referral digitally. If enacted, this provision would have taken effect six months after enactment.

Occupational therapists and assistants could not have advertised or presented themselves as acupuncturists unless they held acupuncture licenses. This covered Delaware occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. If enacted, this restriction would have taken effect six months after enactment.

Delaware's occupational therapy board could have set training and practice rules for dry needling. Any rules would have covered dry needling in occupational therapy practice. The board could have made these rules but would not have been required to do so. If enacted, this authority would have taken effect six months after enactment.