CSOMA OPPOSES AB 2497.
April 1, 2026
CSOMA OPPOSES AB 2497 because it creates a pathway for physical therapists to perform needle-based procedures that are legally and clinically equivalent to acupuncture—without equivalent training—raising serious concerns about patient safety, scope of practice integrity, and consumer protection.
CSOMA conducted an emergency Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 to discuss the implications on Assembly Bill 2497. A replay is available here.
Bill text of AB 2497 may be accessed here.
Major Concerns with AB 2497
Framed as scope modernization — but introduces dry needling into scope:
It grants licensed physical therapists the authority to use the title "doctor of physical therapy" or "D.P.T.,"
Expands their scope of practice to include prescribing nonopioid pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications after consultation with medical boards,
Allows for tissue penetration for evaluating and treating the neuromuscular system
Performing and interpreting musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.
California law currently does NOT allow physical therapists to perform dry needling
“Dry needling” uses filiform needles inserted into the body, which matches how acupuncture is defined
Why CSOMA OPPOSES AB 2497
Patient safety and consumer education
Increased risk of serious injury as already documented by unlicensed individuals performing dry needling.
Increased confusion among consumers about what acupuncture is vs. dry needling.
Inadequate training
Licensed acupuncturists in California complete thousands of hours of training in needling techniques, including Clean Needle Technique and needle contraindications.
In states where PT dry needling is allowed, training can be as little as ~50 hours.
For actions you can take, please refer to the CSOMA Alert:
Contact: Dr. Robyn Adcock, LAc, Executive Director
