New Jersey § 45:9-37

§ 45:9-37.

a. A physical therapist may perform dry needling if the physical therapist meets all

of the following requirements: (1) possesses a doctorate in physical therapy from an accredited college or university

or has otherwise been actively licensed as a physical therapist in this State since

January 1, 2003; (2) has no less than two years of active clinical experience in the treatment of patients

as a licensed physical therapist in this State and holds a current, unrestricted license

to practice physical therapy in this State; (3) has a current CPR certification issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart

Association, National Safety Council, or any other agency or organization approved

by the board; and (4) has obtained documentation of the successful completion of a dry needling continuing

education and competency program approved by the board that satisfies subsections

b. and c. of this section. b. The board shall approve a dry needling continuing education and competency program

if the program meets all of the following requirements: (1) provides a minimum of 40 hours of academic instruction which is attended in person

by the physical therapist and shall be completed by the physical therapist in no more

than two years; (2) provides the history and a current literature review of dry needling and evidence-based

practice; (3) covers pertinent anatomy and physiology; (4) covers the choice and operation of dry needling supplies and equipment; (5) provides knowledge of dry needling technique including indications, contraindications,

and precautions for its use; (6) provides knowledge of the risks and complications of dry needling; (7) covers safe practice guidelines and generally accepted standards of practice,

including clean needle techniques and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's

bloodborne pathogens standard; (8) provides knowledge of post-intervention care, including an adverse response or

emergency; (9) documents the successful completion of psychomotor and cognitive performance by

means of practical and written assessments or examinations; and (10) provides a minimum of 40 hours of practical hands-on instruction in the application

and technique of dry needling under the direct supervision of a licensed physical

therapist or physician pursuant to subsection c. of this section, which shall be completed

by the physical therapist in no more than two years. c. The dry needling continuing education and competency program, including the practical

hands-on instruction required pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection b. of this

section, shall be taught by a licensed physical therapist who has a minimum of five

years of clinical experience in the performance of dry needling or by a physician

licensed to practice medicine and surgery in this State. d. Following successful completion of the dry needling continuing education and competency

program, including the practical hands-on instruction required pursuant to paragraph

(10) of subsection b. of this section, a physical therapist shall complete 10 of the

required minimum credits of continuing education and competency in each biennial license

renewal period in board-approved programs in dry needling if the physical therapist

chooses to continue to utilize such intervention on patients.