Tennessee House Bill HB1195

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, relative to the practice of physical therapy.

Impact

If enacted, HB1195 is expected to have a notable impact on state laws governing healthcare and physical therapy. By allowing physical therapists limited autonomy to assess and treat patients without a referral, it could potentially reduce wait times for patients seeking therapy services. Additionally, the bill aims to refine the conditions under which a physical therapist may treat a patient independent of a referral, thereby increasing the availability of physical therapy in various settings, including urgent care scenarios.

Summary

House Bill 1195 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the practice of physical therapy. The bill introduces provisions that allow licensed physical therapists to conduct initial patient visits and provide physical assessments without a prior referral from a healthcare practitioner, under certain conditions. This shift represents a significant change in how physical therapy is practiced in Tennessee, with the intent of improving patient access to care and streamlining treatment procedures for individuals requiring physical therapy services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1195 is generally supportive among physical therapists and some healthcare advocates who argue that removing the referral requirement reflects a modern approach to patient care. Proponents believe it enhances the efficiency of health services and empowers physical therapists to act in patients' best interests promptly. Conversely, some medical professionals express concern that this could lead to unmonitored care and entail risks if physical therapists encounter cases beyond their scope of training without proper oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill involve concerns from traditional medical practitioners about ensuring adequate patient safety and the potential for misdiagnosis when physical therapists operate without referrals. Opponents worry that the bill may undermine collaborative healthcare models and patient safety by encouraging a more independent practice that may not always align with a multidisciplinary approach to health care, particularly in complex cases requiring comprehensive management. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for regulations that ensure patient safety while improving access to necessary services.