AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRY NEEDLING.

The final bill text fully authorizes three categories of providers - physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists - to perform dry needling in Delaware, each requiring a written physician referral specific to dry needling.

Dry needling is explicitly added to the list of services that may be included under 'occupational therapy services' in Chapter 20, Title 24.

Defines 'dry needling' as an intervention using a thin filiform needle to stimulate muscular tissue, connective tissues, and myofascial trigger points based on Western medical concepts. Also defines 'trigger points' as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle associated with palpable nodules.

Each provider type must receive a written physician referral specific to dry needling before performing the procedure. Referrals may be transmitted by digital means.

The relevant licensing boards must establish training and practice standards for dry needling by rule and regulation for each provider type.

Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists are prohibited from advertising or holding themselves out as acupuncturists unless they hold a separate acupuncture license.

The Act takes effect 6 months after enactment into law.

Sponsorship expanded to include Sen. Poore as co-sponsor and Reps. Chukwuocha, Lambert, K. Johnson and Sen. Pinkney as additional sponsors.