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HB 1042

Dry Needling by Occupational Therapists

2026 Regular Session

Colorado authorizes occupational therapists to perform dry needling, expanding their scope of practice to treat muscle pain and dysfunction through needle-based intervention.

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Bill Summary · HB 1042

Legislative bill overview

HB 1042 authorizes occupational therapists in Colorado to perform dry needling as a clinical treatment modality, expanding their scope of practice beyond traditional occupational therapy services. The bill passed the House Third Reading on February 18, 2026, with amendments made during the legislative process.

Why is this important

Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that targets muscle trigger points and is used to treat pain and muscle dysfunction. Expanding who can legally perform this procedure could increase patient access to this treatment option and potentially reduce wait times, while also creating new professional opportunities for occupational therapists in Colorado.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Physical therapists and other licensed practitioners may argue this expands OT scope into territory traditionally within their professional domain, creating competitive and regulatory overlap
  • Training and safety standards: Questions about whether occupational therapy education adequately prepares practitioners for dry needling, including infection control, anatomical precision, and adverse event management
  • Consumer protection: Lack of clarity on licensing requirements, continuing education mandates, or specific safety protocols could leave patients vulnerable if standards aren't rigorously defined

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

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