HCSHBs115&99--PHYSICALTHERAPISTS(Shields)
COMMITTEEOFORIGIN:StandingCommitteeonProfessional
RegistrationandLicensing
Thisbillchangesthelawsregardingphysicaltherapistssothat
physicaltherapistsnolongerneedaprescriptionorreferralfrom
adoctorinordertoevaluateandinitiatetreatmentonapatient,
aslongasthephysicaltherapisthasaDoctorateofPhysical
TherapyDegreeorhasfiveyearsofclinicalpracticeasaphysical
therapist. However,thebilldoesrequireaphysicaltherapistto
refertoanapprovedhealthcareprovideranypatientwhose
conditionisbeyondthephysicaltherapist'sscopeofpractice,or
anypatientwhodoesnotdemonstratemeasurableorfunctional
improvementafter10visitsor30days,whicheveroccursfirst.
Thephysicaltherapistmustalsoconsultwithanapprovedhealth
careproviderbeforecontinuingtherapyifafter10visitsor30
days,whicheveroccursfirst,thepatienthasdemonstrated
measurableorfunctionalimprovementfromthephysicaltherapyand
thephysicaltherapistbelievesthatcontinuationofphysical
therapyisnecessary. Continuedphysicaltherapymustbein
accordancewithanydirectionofthehealthcareprovider. The
physicaltherapistmustnotifythehealthcareproviderof
continuingphysicaltherapyevery30days.Physicaltherapy
servicesperformedwithinaprimaryorsecondaryschoolfor
individualswithinagesnotinexcessof21yearsareexemptfrom
thisrequirement.
ThebillremovesaprovisionthatallowstheStateBoardof
RegistrationfortheHealingArtstofileacomplaintagainsta
physicaltherapistwhoprovidesphysicaltherapywithouta
prescription.
ThisbillissimilartoHB1555(2022)andHB367(2021).