APTA Colorado Readies Amicus Brief In Support of Dismissal of Current Dry Needling Litigation

Posted: August 25, 2017

The Chapter is preparing, upon review of the next PT Board action, to provide an amicus brief to the court in support of the dismissal of the litigation currently in process against the CO PT Board with regards to their authority in promlugating PT Rule 211, which defines the authority of PT’s to practice Dry needling in Colorado as per the statutory authority granted to them by the Physical Therapist Practice Act.

Currently we are awaiting the PT Board response to the District Courts action in returning the petition from the two acupuncture associations to the PT Board to be further acted upon, in the latest ruling from the judge.

To answer a recent inquiry from a member:

Q:   "What is the latest news on this? Is there anything more that I can do as a PT right now? Is there anything that my clients or the public can do to advocate for their right to continue getting dry needling?"

A:  A Physical Therapist's authority to continue to provide dry needling in Colorado, as noted, is under ongoing litigation at the current time between acupuncturist professional groups and the State Board of Physical Therapy. PTs who are competent in performing dry needling are advised to continue to provide dry needling as authorized in PT Rule 211 and to keep a list of satisfied consumers who may be willing to help us if this ever becomes a legislative  or regulatory issue in the future.

Respectfully, 

Cameron MacDonald

APTA CO President