An Act To Amend Title 24 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Examining Board Of Physical Therapists And Athletic Trainers.
The proposed amendments would lead to significant implications for state laws governing physical therapy and athletic training. By allowing patients to be treated without a physician's referral for a longer period, the bill supports the autonomy of physical therapists in their decision-making processes. Furthermore, it mandates that all licensed physical therapists continue to operate within their scope of training, ensuring patient safety while also improving the flow of healthcare services. The new licensing and renewal provisions are expected to align better with other boards within the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, thus streamlining processes across different healthcare professions.
Senate Bill 110 aims to amend Title 24 of the Delaware Code, specifically addressing the regulations surrounding the Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers. The primary goal of this legislation is to expand access to physical therapy services by extending the timeframe that physical therapists can treat patients without a referral from a physician from the previous limit of 30 days to 90 days. This change is intended to facilitate continuity of care for patients who may benefit from immediate access to physical therapy without the need for a preliminary doctor's visit, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating potential bottlenecks in treatment.
Overall sentiment around SB110 appears to be positive, particularly from healthcare professionals and advocates for expanded access to medical services. Supporters of the bill argue that enhancing the ability for direct access to physical therapy not only improves healthcare delivery but also empowers patients to seek the care they need promptly. Some potential opposition may arise from concerns about patient safety and ensuring that physical therapists are not operating beyond their educational training, but these concerns seem to be outweighed in most discussions by the overarching benefits of improved access.
Notable points of contention likely relate to the balance between accessibility and safety in patient care. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks of patients receiving prolonged treatment without a medical evaluation, which might overlook underlying issues that need a physician's attention. Nevertheless, the amendment clarifies that physical therapists are still required to refer patients to other health practitioners if complications arise, maintaining a level of oversight that may mitigate these concerns.