Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1251

Introduced
9/10/25  

Caption

Further providing for practice of physical therapy.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1251 will have a significant impact on the practice of physical therapy in Pennsylvania by broadening the range of healthcare professionals who can refer patients to physical therapists. This amendment is likely to facilitate improved interdisciplinary cooperation among healthcare providers, which may enhance patient care and optimize treatment pathways. By allowing a wider range of referrals, it could also alleviate some of the pressures on primary care providers who traditionally manage patient referrals.

Summary

House Bill 1251 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Practice Act to clarify and expand the terms under which physical therapists may accept referrals for treatment. The bill specifies that physical therapists are permitted to accept referrals not only from physicians but also from licensed dentists, podiatrists, and certified nurse midwives for conditions within their respective scopes of practice. This change is intended to enhance the collaborative nature of healthcare services and improve patient access to physical therapy treatments.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1251 appear to be generally positive, especially among proponents who argue that the bill fosters greater collaboration in the healthcare sector. Supporters claim that this revised referral process will streamline patient access to necessary treatments and could lead to improved health outcomes. However, groups concerned about the regulation of healthcare practices may express caution regarding this expansion, emphasizing the need for ensuring quality and oversight in therapy practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the balance between expanding referral capabilities and maintaining professional standards in physical therapy. Some stakeholders might argue that while increasing the number of referral sources can improve access to therapy, it is crucial to safeguard the quality of care provided by physical therapists. Critics may express concerns about potential abuse of the referral system or a dilution of standards if therapists are not adequately trained to handle the various conditions posed by referrals from different specialties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1042

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

PA HB1491

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 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 SB25

Further providing for definitions; and providing for the Rural Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Health Care Access Program.

PA SB899

Further providing for definitions and scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists.

PA SB1281

Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

PA HB1825

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist license required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

PA HB1490

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

PA SB1262

Further providing for definitions, for midwifery and for nurse-midwife license; and providing for certified midwife license.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.