Revise visit frequency required of supervisory physical therapists
If enacted, HB454 will revise existing standards set forth in the Montana Code Annotated regarding the supervision of physical therapy assistants. By adjusting the visitation frequency, the bill seeks to balance the need for adequate supervision with the demands of practice, especially in areas where access to healthcare providers may be limited. This change could positively impact the operational capabilities of physical therapy practices, allowing for efficient management with fewer constraints on the therapist’s time.
House Bill 454 aims to amend the frequency at which licensed physical therapists are required to supervise physical therapy assistants. The proposed changes include allowing a licensed physical therapist to conduct an on-site or telehealth visit for supervision at least once for every eight visits made by an assistant, increased from the previous requirement of once every six visits. The reasoning behind this adjustment is to provide more flexibility in supervision while maintaining necessary oversight in patient care.
The sentiment surrounding HB454 appears to be generally supportive among practitioners within the physical therapy field. Supporters believe that the bill would enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery by allowing therapists to manage their supervision responsibilities more effectively, especially in facilities with a high volume of patients or where there is a shortage of therapists. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about whether these changes may compromise the quality of patient care due to reduced supervision frequency.
The main points of contention revolve around the potential risks associated with the relaxed supervision requirements. Critics argue that decreasing the frequency of required visits could lead to less direct oversight of physical therapy assistants, potentially affecting the quality of care that patients receive. Proponents counter that the adjustments still maintain essential oversight and are designed to align with modern healthcare delivery practices, particularly with the increasing acceptability of telehealth options.