Weekend Article: New Delaware law will include Telehealth outreach, dry needling

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell gushed about a new state law that opened doors for the practice of dry needling (a practice that dates back to the ancient days of Chinese acupuncture) and updated the definition of physical therapy practice in the state -- an update which now includes telehealth plus the ability to allow non-native visiting physical therapists to treat patients when they are "affiliated with athletic teams and organizations or performing arts companies who are temporarily practicing, competing, or performing in Delaware" (Brady 2014).

The move was seen as a major coup for the state Physical Therapy Association, as evidenced by George Edelman, PT, OCS, MTC, president of the Delaware Chapter. "The legislative process was very arduous," Edelman said. "I am grateful for all of our chapter members who attended hearings, met with legislators, and sent emails or made phone calls in support of HB 359" (APTA 2014).

The APTA chapter president could not have been more proud of the trajectory seen for his state. "We are thrilled that Delaware now has a physical therapy statute that reflects 21st century practice" (APTA 2014).

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). (2014). New Delaware PT law includes Telehealth, dry needling [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2014/8/22/DelawarePracticeAct

Brady, Gerald L. (2014). House bill 359: An act to amend title 24 of the Delaware code relating to physical therapy and athletic training. Retrieved from: http://www.legis.delaware.gov/LIS/LIS147.NSF/vwLegislation/HB+359?Opendocument