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.
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.
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.
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.