IDNB Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice

Issued by the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB)

I. Introduction

The IDNB Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice sets forth the ethical standards, professional values, and defined clinical boundaries that all IDNB-certified Dry Needling (DN) practitioners must uphold. It ensures public trust, patient safety, interprofessional integrity, and consistency across international practices.

II. Guiding Principles

1. Patient-Centered Care: Prioritize the health, dignity, rights, and informed choices of patients.
2. Non-Maleficence and Safety: Commit to do no harm through vigilant clinical judgment, hygienic practice, and ongoing training.
3. Competence and Professionalism: Maintain excellence through continuing education, reflective practice, and adherence to regulatory standards.
4. Integrity and Honesty: Communicate truthfully and avoid misrepresentation of DN capabilities or outcomes.
5. Accountability: Accept responsibility for actions and participate in audits, peer reviews, and professional oversight.

III. Ethical Conduct and Responsibilities

3.1 Toward Patients

• Treat all patients with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
• Obtain written informed consent before initiating DN procedures.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient records and discussions.
• Clearly communicate benefits, risks, limitations, and alternatives of DN.
• Respect the patient's right to decline or discontinue treatment without consequence.

3.2 Toward the Profession

• Uphold and promote the reputation of the DN profession.
• Avoid discrediting colleagues or institutions without substantial evidence.
• Report unethical conduct or safety violations to appropriate authorities or the IDNB.
• Do not exaggerate the efficacy of DN or promote it as a universal cure.

3.3 Toward Self

• Recognize one's limits of competence and refer when necessary.
• Engage in reflective practice and peer feedback.
• Abstain from practicing when impaired by illness, medication, or personal issues.
• Maintain valid certification and up-to-date continuing education hours.

3.4 In Advertising and Communication

• Ensure all promotional materials are evidence-based and not misleading.
• Avoid testimonials or claims that guarantee outcomes.
• Respect copyright and intellectual property in educational or public settings.

IV. Scope of Practice

4.1 Permissible Activities

• Apply Dry Needling techniques to treat myofascial trigger points, muscle tension, spasms, and neuromusculoskeletal pain.
• Integrate DN with physiotherapeutic assessment, diagnosis, and interventions.
• Use Electro-Dry Needling if certified and trained.
• Educate patients on post-treatment care, expectations, and exercises.

4.2 Conditions Eligible for Treatment

Musculoskeletal conditions (upon clearing red flags)

4.3 Populations Eligible for Treatment

Adults, adolescents with consent, pregnant patients with appropriate training, children with considerations (above 12 years old).

V. Limitations of Practice

Practitioners must NOT:

• Administer or recommend injectables or medications.
• Perform intra-articular or organ-targeted needling.
• Diagnose outside their license.
• Treat pediatric/geriatric/neurological patients without special training or without consent.
• Conduct DN in unregulated environments.

VI. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Comply with local and national laws.
• Practice DN only within licensed professions.
• Follow local laws if they conflict with IDNB policy.

VII. Consent and Documentation Standards

• Use detailed consent forms and renew annually.
• Document: date, location, muscles treated, needles used, patient reactions, follow-up.
• Keep records for at least 5 years.

VIII. Professional Development Obligations

• 15 CPD hours every 3 years.
• Participate in peer review and audits.
• Ethics or safety refresher every 5 years.

IX. Misconduct and Disciplinary Action

Violations include:

• Practicing outside scope
• Falsifying credentials
• Harassment or impairment
• Breach of confidentiality

Disciplinary actions: Warning, suspension, revocation, or report to licensing board.

X. Grievance and Complaint Mechanism

Complaints may be submitted via:

📧 ethics@idnb.world

Investigations are confidential and resolved within 15 days.

XI. Declaration of Adherence

All certified practitioners must sign this Code upon certification and at renewal.

XII. Contact and Oversight