OTAC offers initial guidance for staff seeking dry needling privileges, suggests local clinical contacts

A committee member asked for guidance on how staff in her facility should begin the process of obtaining certification or privileging for dry needling. The question focused on practical steps to secure privileging within a health system and what the board’s rules require for dry needling training.

Committee members said the board’s rules primarily outline educational requirements for dry needling and do not impose separate prohibitions beyond requiring the procedure be performed by a licensed occupational therapist. Kelly Brandon and other members suggested local professional resources: Randall Alford (named as Randall Alford/Alford) at a Baton Rouge orthopedic clinic was recommended as a resource who previously advised the board on dry needling when the rules were drafted.

Why it matters: Dry needling privileges are granted or vetted by employers and health systems as part of privileging processes; licensees often seek board clarification about required coursework and how privileging interacts with employment credentialing.

Committee guidance - Staff noted the board’s rules list educational requirements for dry needling and that the clinician must be a licensed OT (not an aide or PTA). - Committee members suggested that clinicians interested in dry needling contact local clinical leads who have implemented dry needling in Louisiana and consult employer privileging procedures; LOTA-sponsored courses were identified as one avenue for initial certification.

Ending: The committee recommended the practitioner contact local clinic leads (for example, Randall Alford) and follow employer privileging processes. Staff will provide rule citations and links to recommended training providers if requested.