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HB 165

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

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 4 co-sponsors

HB 165 amends Delaware health law to regulate dry needling practice, clarifying which practitioners can perform the procedure and under what training or supervision requirements.

Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 5 Favorable
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 165

Legislative bill overview

HB 165 amends Delaware's Title 24 (health professions licensing) to modify regulations governing dry needling practices. Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted into muscle tissue to treat pain and dysfunction. The bill adjusts licensing, scope of practice, or supervision requirements for practitioners performing this procedure.

Why is this important

Dry needling has grown in popularity among physical therapists, chiropractors, and other practitioners, but regulatory frameworks vary significantly by state. This amendment clarifies Delaware's legal position on who can perform dry needling, under what conditions, and with what training—directly affecting healthcare access, consumer safety, and scope-of-practice boundaries between professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice disputes: Physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists may compete for authority to perform dry needling, with organized medicine potentially opposing expansion beyond traditional boundaries
  • Training and safety standards: Disagreement over minimum education/certification requirements—higher standards may limit practitioner availability but ensure safety; lower standards increase access but raise quality concerns
  • Regulatory clarity: The amendment may either expand or restrict who can perform dry needling, creating winners and losers among healthcare professions seeking market share

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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