Why AB2497 Is Legally and Ethically Problematic

California Society of Oriental Medicine (CSOMA) (2025)

Acupuncture Profession Joint-Position Statement on Dry Needling in California

Joint statement by California acupuncture organizations asserting that dry needling constitutes acupuncture under CA Business and Professions Code §4927 and must not be performed without an acupuncture license.

Yo San University (2025)

Protect Access to Acupuncture! Oppose AB 2497

Calls on California community to oppose AB2497, citing patient safety risks and the established training standard for licensed acupuncturists.

Change.org (2025)

Stop AB 2497 – Protect California Patients from Unsafe Dry Needling

Public petition opposing AB2497, documenting athlete injury cases including Torin Yater-Wallace (2014 Olympics) and Kim Ribble-Orr (career-ending injury).

California Legislative Information (2025)

AB-2497 Physical therapists: dry needling

Full text of California AB2497 proposing to amend the Physical Therapy Practice Act to authorize dry needling by licensed physical therapists.

FDA (2023)

21 CFR 880.5860 — Acupuncture needle classification

FDA classifies filiform needles used in both acupuncture and dry needling as Class II medical devices under 21 CFR 880.5860 — labeled 'Acupuncture needles.' There is no separate 'dry needling needle' classification.

Virginia Regulatory Town Hall (2019)

Public Comment to Virginia Board of Physical Therapy on Dry Needling Adverse Events

Official Virginia government record documenting multiple dry needling pneumothorax cases across Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina, submitted as public comment urging regulatory action.

Oregon Legislative Assembly (2025)

Public Testimony: Safety of Dry Needling (Oregon Legislature, 2025 Session)

Oregon legislative testimony documenting dry needling adverse events including pneumothorax cases, nerve injuries, and lack of standardized training — submitted during 2025 legislative session.