Senate panel advances bill to allow occupational therapists to perform dry needling; places measure on consent calendar

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 26-1042 on a favorable recommendation and placed the measure on the consent calendar after testimony from supporters and a neutral statement from the Acupuncture Association of Colorado.

Senator Ball, the bill sponsor, told the committee that “all this bill does is it allows occupational therapists to do dry needling” and said the House amended the measure to address acupuncturists’ concerns. He framed the proposal as a way to increase access to a treatment that can complement physical therapy, especially in areas with limited providers.

Lylee Hollinghorst, representing the Acupuncture Association of Colorado, testified in a neutral position and said, "Dry needling is an invasive technique, and we understand that there need to be some guardrails." She thanked sponsors for amendments and requested that acupuncturists be included in upcoming rulemaking on education and safety requirements.

Molly Hahn Floyd, president of the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado, urged a yes vote, saying occupational therapists complete rigorous graduate-level education and that the bill includes “clear and robust safeguards” such as accredited education, demonstrated competency, written informed consent and regulatory oversight through rulemaking. She said the change would reduce delays, preserve continuity of care and expand access in regions such as the Western Slope and the Eastern Plains.

Evan Beau, an occupational therapy student, described his program’s clinical and safety training and said the bill ties authorization to education and competency. Dr. Rebecca Griffith, president of the American Physical Therapy Association in Colorado, also testified in support and described dry needling as an evidence-based intervention that, when performed by appropriately trained clinicians, improves access to rehabilitative care.

Committee members asked whether insurance typically covers dry needling; witnesses said coverage varies, with many plans covering it and some patients paying cash out of pocket. After closing remarks from the sponsor, Senator Ball moved HB 26-1042 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the clerk conducted a roll-call vote and the committee placed the bill on the consent calendar.

The bill will next be considered by the Committee of the Whole; committee members did not make or adopt further amendments during this meeting.