HB115--PHYSICALTHERAPISTS
SPONSOR:Shields
Thisbillchangesthelawsregardingphysicaltherapistssothatphysicaltherapistsnolongerneeda
prescriptionorreferralfromadoctorinordertoevaluateandinitiatetreatmentonapatient,as
longasthephysicaltherapisthasaDoctorateofPhysicalTherapyDegreeorhasfiveyearsofclinical
practiceasaphysicaltherapist.However,thebilldoesrequireaphysicaltherapisttorefertoan
approvedhealthcareprovideranypatientwhoseconditionisbeyondthephysicaltherapist'sscope
ofpractice,oranypatientwhodoesnotdemonstratemeasurableorfunctionalimprovementafter
10visitsor21businessdays,whicheveroccursfirst.
Thephysicaltherapistmustalsoconsultwithanapprovedhealthcareproviderbeforecontinuing
therapyifafter10visitsor21businessdays,whicheveroccursfirst,thepatienthasdemonstrated
measurableorfunctionalimprovementfromthephysicaltherapyandthephysicaltherapist
believesthatcontinuationofphysicaltherapyisnecessary.Continuedphysicaltherapymustbein
accordancewithanydirectionofthehealthcareprovider.Thephysicaltherapistmustnotifythe
healthcareproviderofcontinuingphysicaltherapyevery30days.Thebillremovesaprovisionthat
allowstheStateBoardofRegistrationfortheHealingArtstofileacomplaintagainstaphysical
therapistwhoprovidesphysicaltherapywithoutaprescription.
ThisbillissimilartoHB1555(2022)andHB367(2021).