DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 623 Original 2016 Regular Session LeBas
Abstract: Eliminates restrictions on performance of physical therapy services without a prescription
or referral.
Present law authorizes a physical therapist to perform an initial evaluation or consultation of a
screening nature to determine the need for physical therapy but prohibits, except under certain
circumstances as specified in present law, physical therapy treatment from being implemented unless
based on the prescription or referral of a person licensed to practice medicine, surgery, dentistry,
podiatry, or chiropractic.
Proposed law removes the requirement for a prescription or referral.
Present law provides that physical therapy services may be performed without a prescription or by
referral only under the following circumstances:
(1)To a child with a diagnosed developmental disability pursuant to the child's plan of care.
(2)To a patient of a home health care agency pursuant to the patient's plan of care.
(3)To a patient in a nursing home pursuant to the patient's plan of care.
(4)Related to conditioning or to providing education or activities in a wellness setting for the
purpose of injury prevention, reduction of stress, or promotion of fitness.
(5)To an individual for a condition diagnosed within the previous 90 days for which physical
therapy services are appropriate after informing the healthcare provider rendering the
diagnosis.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law limits liability of any kind for a healthcare provider rendering a diagnosis for any
condition, illness, or injury that manifested itself after the diagnosis or for any alleged damages as
a result of physical therapy services performed without a prescription or referral from a person
licensed to practice medicine, surgery, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic.
Proposed law repeals present law. Proposed law retains present law which provides that physical therapy services performed without
a prescription or referral from a person licensed to practice medicine, surgery, dentistry, podiatry,
or chiropractic shall not be construed as any of the following:
(1)Mandating coverage for physical therapy services under any healthcare plan, insurance
policy, or workers' compensation plan.
(2)Circumventing any requirement for preauthorization of services in accordance with any
healthcare plan, insurance policy, or workers' compensation plan.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:2418(B); Repeals R.S. 37:2418(C) and (D))