Acupuncture Board opposes AB 2497 unless amended to remove dry‑needling provisions

The California Acupuncture Board voted on May 15 to oppose AB 2497 unless the bill is amended to remove provisions (identified as sections 6 and 8 during discussion) that would expand physical‑therapy authority over needle‑based procedures commonly referred to as dry needling.

Board members said the bill, as displayed in committee materials, would allow procedures involving needle insertion without establishing ‘‘equal educational competencies and clinical training standards’’ comparable to acupuncture training. A board member argued the absence of standardized education "create[d] some material risk to the public for the patient safety," and the chair called for a focused motion. The board approved a motion "to oppose AB 2497 unless amended to remove sections six and eight addressing dry needling," and counsel was instructed to prepare the formal letter to the Legislature.

The motion carried on a roll‑call vote of members present. Public commenters and board members noted that if dry needling is specified as not acupuncture in other statutes, complaints about unlawful acupuncture practice could still be filed under existing board authorities. Several public commenters urged the board to respond quickly to rapid legislative changes.

Next steps: legal staff will draft and file a letter articulating the board's position and concerns; the board indicated it will reexamine its stance if amended language is posted and aligns with the board’s public‑protection standards.