Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, HB1617 will have a significant impact on state laws concerning healthcare access. It will facilitate better management of physical therapy practices by allowing physical therapists to cover each other's services without interruptions due to temporary absences. This could lead to enhanced service delivery and patient satisfaction, as patients would experience fewer delays in receiving necessary physical therapy care. Additionally, by empowering physical therapists with locum tenens arrangements, the bill may also attract more individuals to the profession and help stabilize the workforce in this sector.
Summary
House Bill 1617, officially titled the 'Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023', seeks to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The primary purpose of this bill is to include physical therapists among the healthcare providers eligible to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare. Locum tenens arrangements allow healthcare professionals to temporarily fill in for one another, which can help maintain continuity of care for patients. By enabling physical therapists to participate in this program, the bill aims to enhance access to physical therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in underserved areas.
Contention
While the bill has generally been met with support from physical therapy associations and healthcare advocates, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications for patient care and the qualifications of locum tenens therapists. Critics argue that allowing physical therapists to replace one another without adequate oversight may lead to variability in the quality of care provided. Proponents counter that the bill includes existing safeguards within Medicare regulations that ensure quality standards are maintained, addressing potential apprehensions about patient safety.