By Namwook Cho L.Ac.
AB 2497, a controversial bill that sought to expand dry needling authority for physical therapists, was defeated on the California Assembly floor on May 28. The proposal drew strong opposition from the acupuncture profession, which argued that dry needling involves the same insertion of acupuncture needles under a different name.
According to the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA), the bill failed to secure enough votes to pass on the Assembly floor. AB 2497 received only 25 votes in favor, well short of the 41 votes required for passage.
The measure had drawn strong criticism from California’s acupuncture community because it would have granted physical therapists authority to perform procedures involving the insertion of needles into tissue. Opponents argued that needle-based therapies should remain within the scope of practitioners who have received extensive education and training in acupuncture and are licensed under California’s acupuncture regulatory framework.
Acupuncture Times extends its sincere appreciation to all readers who participated in surveys, contacted legislators, shared information with colleagues, and supported efforts to oppose AB 2497 throughout the legislative process.
Although the bill was defeated this year, similar proposals could return in the future. The profession is therefore urged to remain vigilant and actively engaged.
