Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1042

Introduced

1/29/24

Refer

1/29/24

Caption

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for continuing education and for practice of physical therapy.

Impact

The legislative amendments implemented by SB1042 are expected to significantly impact the landscape of physical therapy practice in Pennsylvania. By allowing physical therapists to treat patients without needing a physician's referral for 60 days, the bill responds to growing demands for more accessible healthcare services. This change could increase patient access to therapy and support a more integrative approach to patient management. Furthermore, the bill outlines continuing education requirements, ensuring that practitioners remain informed about current practices, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

Summary

Senate Bill 1042 amends the Physical Therapy Practice Act to update the definitions, powers, duties of the board, continuing education requirements, and the practice of physical therapy. One of the main changes includes provisions for physical therapists to treat patients without a referral for a specific period, aiming to streamline access to care. Additionally, the bill sets clear guidelines for the certificate of authorization that therapists need to practice without prior referral, establishing standards that ensure patient safety while promoting professional autonomy within defined limits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1042 appears to be cautiously optimistic among many stakeholders in the healthcare community. Supporters argue that the bill supports healthcare accessibility and professional independence for physical therapists, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. However, some concerns remain regarding the implications for patient safety, particularly in terms of the oversight associated with allowing therapists to operate independently without immediate physician involvement.

Contention

One notable point of contention related to SB1042 is the extended timeframe for allowing physical therapists to treat patients without referrals. Proponents believe this provision empowers therapists and addresses patient needs efficiently. Conversely, opponents express concerns that this could lead to inappropriate treatments or oversights concerning patients with complex conditions that require multidisciplinary input. Balancing efficiency and safety in patient care remains a critical aspect of the ongoing discussion around this bill.

Latest SB1042 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB197

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for continuing education and for practice of physical therapy.

PA HB1583

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for training and license required and exceptions, for qualifications for license, examinations, failure of examinations, licensure without examination, issuing of license, foreign applicants for licensure, temporary license and perjury, for continuing education, for practice of physical therapy and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1491

PA H536

Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods

PA S669

Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods

PA SB1091

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1356

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA SB898

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1490

Further providing for definitions, for regulation of the practice of acupuncture, for penalties and for approval of acupuncture educational programs.

PA HB232

Scope of practice of physical therapists

Similar Bills

MI SB0144

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820, 17822, 17824 & 17825 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & adds sec. 17825a.

MI SB0668

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820 & 17824 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & repeals sec. 17819 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17819).

PA SB579

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB563

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB898

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1356

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1398

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.