VirginiaAthletic training definition lists dry needling as a treatment method
The definition lists dry needling as an athletic training treatment, and a bracketed provision calls for training and certification rules for trainers who use it.
What it does
The definition of athletic training lists dry needling among methods used to treat activity-related injuries and conditions.
A bracketed provision calls for the Board of Medicine to require training and certification for athletic trainers who practice dry needling.
Argument forIncluding dry needling in the listed treatment methods could give athletic trainers another option when caring for people with activity-related injuries.
Argument againstDry needling uses needles, so people receiving athletic training may want clear safeguards about when and how trainers use it.
More detail
The definition of athletic training lists dry needling as a treatment method. The definition covers injuries or conditions related to athletic or recreational activity, and substantially similar injuries or conditions from occupational activity. The definition also lists heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, exercise, and other devices. The definition covers treatment and rehabilitation after the injury or condition begins, including care in inpatient or outpatient settings.
A provision calls for the Board of Medicine to set training and certification rules for athletic trainers who practice dry needling. The stated training and certification requirement concerns athletic trainers who practice dry needling. The provision says the Board's initial adoption of these rules would be exempt from the state's Administrative Process Act.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Mar 5Continued to next session in Education and Health (11-Y 0-N)
- Feb 17Referred to Committee on Education and HealthMinor
- Feb 17Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- Feb 17Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB841)
- Feb 16Read third time and passed House (56-Y 39-N 0-A)Passed House
- Feb 13Passed by for the day
- Feb 12Passed by for the day
- Feb 11Passed by for the day
- Feb 10Engrossed by House as amended
- Feb 10committee amendment agreed toMajor
- Feb 10Read second timeMinor
- Feb 9Read first timeMinor
- Feb 5Reported from Health and Human Services with amendment(s) (12-Y 9-N)Minor
- Jan 29Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (9-Y 1-N)
- Jan 29House subcommittee offered
- Jan 23Assigned sub: Health ProfessionsMinor
- Jan 16Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB841)
- Jan 13Referred to Committee on Health and Human ServicesMinor
- Jan 13Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101026DIntroduced
HealthcareMental HealthGovernment & Ethics