To Authorize Certain Medical Professionals To Certify To The Office Of Motor Vehicle Eligibility For A Special License Plate, Certificate, Or Parking Decal For A Person With A Disability.
Impact
By allowing physical therapists to serve as certifying authorities, HB1138 could significantly increase the number of qualified professionals who can attest to an individual's disability status. The goal of this expansion is to make the certification process more accessible and reduce the potential burden on patients who may have difficulty obtaining certifications solely from physicians. This legislative change aligns with the goals of improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities by facilitating easier access to necessary parking accommodations.
Summary
House Bill 1138 aims to enhance the ability of various medical professionals to certify individuals with disabilities for special parking privileges in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill authorizes physical therapists, in addition to existing certifying authorities like licensed physicians and advanced practice registered nurses, to certify a patient's disability status for the issuance of special license plates, certificates, or parking decals. This change broadens the scope of certifying authorities and is intended to streamline the certification process for individuals who require accessible parking due to their disabilities.
Contention
Although the bill aims to assist individuals with disabilities, it has faced discussions regarding the implications of expanding the authority of physical therapists. Some stakeholders may question whether this change adequately maintains the integrity of the certification process and if physical therapists possess the necessary expertise to determine disability status in contexts traditionally reserved for medical doctors. Nevertheless, the bill explicitly states that it does not expand the scope of practice of physical therapists, indicating an awareness of potential concerns regarding professional boundaries.
To Provide Clarity Regarding The Certification Of A Veterinary Technician Specialist; And To Authorize A Collaborative Practice Agreement Between A Veterinarian And A Veterinary Technician Specialist.
To Provide An Exemption For Special Events To Allow Certain New Motor Vehicle Dealers And New Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Or Distributors To Display And Sell Certain Vehicles At Certain Special Events.
Concerning Law Enforcement Officer Training And Standards; And To Require Training Concerning Persons With Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias For Officer Certification.
To Authorize The Issuance Of Special License Plates For National Historic Sites In Arkansas; And To Create The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Special License Plate.
To Amend The Law To Extend The Time Period Authorized For The Registration Of A Motor Vehicle; And To Amend The Law Concerning Temporary Preprinted Paper Buyer's Tags.
To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Repeal The Special Rate Of Tax For Certain Used Motor Vehicles, Trailers, And Semitrailers.
To Authorize The Issuance And Renewal Of A Special License Plate To Promote And Support The Arkansas Dyslexia Support Group; And To Repeal The Little Rock Air Force Base Special License Plate.