An Act amending the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), known as the Physical Therapy Practice Act, further providing for definitions, for training and license required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

Source of recordPennsylvania · palegis.usLast synced Sep 4, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill amends the existing Physical Therapy Practice Act in Pennsylvania to clarify definitions and expand the scope of physical therapy. Specifically, it adds a definition for ‘dry needling,’ which is a technique involving the use of needles to treat pain and movement problems, while excluding practices related to acupuncture. It also outlines specific training and certification requirements for physical therapists who wish to perform dry needling. Furthermore, it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of physical therapist assistants, limiting their ability to perform certain tasks to those directly supervised by a licensed physical therapist.

Key provisions

Defines ‘dry needling’ as a specific physical intervention.
Requires physical therapists to complete a dry needling certification program to perform the technique.
Clarifies the scope of duties for physical therapist assistants, restricting them to tasks delegated and supervised by a licensed physical therapist.
Updates the definition of ‘physical therapy’ to include dry needling and other methods.
Specifies that physical therapist assistants cannot perform evaluation, testing, or interpretation of patient programs.