HB1042 authorizes occupational therapists in Colorado to perform dry needling beginning September 1, 2027, but only if they meet specified competency and training requirements. The bill requires an occupational therapist to have the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform the procedure, to complete a dry needling course of study that satisfies supervisory, educational, and clinical prerequisites established by rule, and to obtain written informed consent from each patient that explains the potential benefits and risks.
The bill also directs the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to adopt implementing rules by June 1, 2027. In doing so, the director must seek input from the Colorado Medical Board. The measure further states that dry needling performed by an occupational therapist under this section is not considered the practice of acupuncture and does not violate Colorado’s acupuncture law.
Impact
HB1042 would amend Colorado’s occupational therapy licensing statutes by adding a new section governing dry needling and by creating a specific legal pathway for occupational therapists to provide that service. It would also clarify the relationship between dry needling and acupuncture law by exempting compliant occupational therapists from the state’s acupuncture practice restrictions. The bill primarily affects occupational therapists, patients receiving rehabilitation services, and the Division of Professions and Occupations, which must write rules setting training and practice standards.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. The bill advanced unanimously in the House Health & Human Services Committee, passed House third reading 56-0, moved through the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on a consent-calendar recommendation, and passed Senate third reading 32-0. With no committee transcripts provided, there is no evidence of significant controversy in the recorded legislative action.
Contention
The main policy issue is scope of practice: whether occupational therapists should be allowed to perform dry needling and under what safeguards. Support appears to center on expanding access to treatment while requiring training, competency, informed consent, and rulemaking to protect the public. Any potential concern would likely come from professional boundary questions involving acupuncture and medical oversight, which the bill addresses by requiring rulemaking input from the Colorado Medical Board and by expressly stating that compliant dry needling is not acupuncture.