To: Governor John Carney
Tell Markell: Veto HB 359
All those who have signed this petition strongly voice their opposition to HB 359, which will place the healthcare and safety of Delawareans in significant and avoidable jeopardy. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to VETO HB 359.
HB 359 will not only subject the public to unsafe needling practices by unqualified individuals, it will place additional burdens on our already heavily-impacted physicians and healthcare system. Currently, the only healthcare providers properly trained, licensed and permitted to practice therapeutic needling are the following, listed in order of highest training received: licensed acupuncturists, specially trained physicians followed by specially trained chiropractors. As you can see, your VETO of HB 359 will not deny the public access to these services, it will ensure those seeking them receive the highest quality and standards of safety from licensed practitioners.
Please consider the above safety ramifications and their potential impact on our citizens. We respectfully urge you to VETO this harmful legislation.
Lee Andrew DeLorme, Director, First State Healthcare Advocacy
1012 Shallcross Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19806
Michael Taromina, Esq.
Why is this important?
Your immediate action is needed to urge Governor Jack Markell to VETO HB 359. HB 359 would allow physical therapists to perform "dry needling" with a verbal referral from a physician.
"Dry needling" is another name for one specific technique within the practice of acupuncture and is performed using acupuncture needles. This form of acupuncture, referred to as "dry needling" by physical therapists is not within the scope of practice of physical therapists thereby presenting a significant risk to patient and public health safety. Physical therapists are not trained in the therapeutic use of needles nor the theoretical and clinical foundation to perform such techniques. "Dry needling certification" is not accredited by any credible certifying agency and is obtainable by physical therapists over a weekend course in contrast to the 1,800 (300 clinical) contact hours required by an acupuncturist to perform the same techniques.
Accordingly, HB 359 will potentially place the general public in significant danger of injury and harm due to unsafe and unqualified needle practices. It will further place an undue burden on the lawful practice of medicine and acupuncture.
By signing this petition, you will send a clear message to Governor Markell that HB 359 will negatively impact the standard of healthcare and safety of Delawareans.
Thank you for your commitment to patient safety.
Lee Andrew DeLorme, Director, First State Healthcare Advocacy
Michael Taromina, Esq.