Committee backs bill to allow occupational therapists to perform dry needling
January 21, 2026 | 2026 Legislature FL, Florida
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TALLAHASSEE — The Health Professions and Grama Subcommittee voted 17-0 to report HB 867 favorably after Representative Anderson told the panel the bill would let occupational therapists who complete rigorous training perform dry needling in Florida.
"Dry needling is a widely used evidence-based treatment that's used to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries," Representative Anderson said, arguing the change would expand patient access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and reduce reliance on opioids and unnecessary procedures.
The measure would align occupational therapy practice in Florida with what Representative Anderson described as national recognition of dry needling as part of occupational therapy. When asked by Democratic Ranking Member Edmonds to distinguish dry needling from acupuncture, Anderson said, "They both use very, very fine needles, but they differ quite a bit fundamentally and, philosophically," calling dry needling a more targeted, Western-medicine application while describing acupuncture as rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
Anderson also told the committee that, statutorily, 10 states currently allow occupational therapists to perform dry needling.
Public testimony at the committee hearing was supportive. Anita Berry of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association waved in support; another proponent, Lauren Brenzel, indicated she would appear in person but did not attend. No witnesses opposed the bill during the committee's public testimony.
There was no debate. Representative Anderson closed briefly, and the committee clerk announced a roll call: the vote was 17 yeas, 0 nays. Chair Tuck instructed staff to show the bill reported favorably to the next house stage.
The committee action sends HB 867 to the next stop in the legislative process; sponsors and proponents said the measure aims to increase local access to conservative, nonpharmacological care options.
Next steps: HB 867 was reported favorably out of committee and will proceed according to House rules for scheduling and further consideration.
"Dry needling is a widely used evidence-based treatment that's used to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries," Representative Anderson said, arguing the change would expand patient access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and reduce reliance on opioids and unnecessary procedures.
The measure would align occupational therapy practice in Florida with what Representative Anderson described as national recognition of dry needling as part of occupational therapy. When asked by Democratic Ranking Member Edmonds to distinguish dry needling from acupuncture, Anderson said, "They both use very, very fine needles, but they differ quite a bit fundamentally and, philosophically," calling dry needling a more targeted, Western-medicine application while describing acupuncture as rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
Anderson also told the committee that, statutorily, 10 states currently allow occupational therapists to perform dry needling.
Public testimony at the committee hearing was supportive. Anita Berry of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association waved in support; another proponent, Lauren Brenzel, indicated she would appear in person but did not attend. No witnesses opposed the bill during the committee's public testimony.
There was no debate. Representative Anderson closed briefly, and the committee clerk announced a roll call: the vote was 17 yeas, 0 nays. Chair Tuck instructed staff to show the bill reported favorably to the next house stage.
The committee action sends HB 867 to the next stop in the legislative process; sponsors and proponents said the measure aims to increase local access to conservative, nonpharmacological care options.
Next steps: HB 867 was reported favorably out of committee and will proceed according to House rules for scheduling and further consideration.
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