The proposed bill, "An Act relative to safer treatment," seeks to amend Chapter 112 of the General Laws in Massachusetts by introducing a definition for "Dry needling or Trigger Point Acupuncture" and establishing specific criteria for licensed health care professionals wishing to practice this technique. The bill defines dry needling as an advanced needling skill aimed at treating myofascial pain using sterile filiform needles, and it explicitly outlines what practices are excluded from this definition.

Additionally, the bill sets forth rigorous requirements for practitioners, including a minimum of two years of post-graduate experience, a total of 650 hours of training (500 didactic and 150 clinical), and proof of education upon request. It mandates that practitioners demonstrate competency through third-party examinations, maintain advanced orthopedic clinical certification, and adhere to continuing education requirements. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of patient consent, proper documentation of treatments, and the reporting of significant adverse events. The Department of Public Health is tasked with creating the necessary regulations to implement these provisions.