Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1517

Introduced
2/24/25  

Caption

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025

Impact

The anticipated impact of HB1517 includes improving the availability of physical therapy for patients who may experience interruptions in care due to staffing shortages. By facilitating locum tenens arrangements, the legislation could help mitigate the risks associated with service discontinuity, which can adversely affect patient recovery and overall health outcomes. It aims to enhance the operational capabilities of physical therapy practices by ensuring that therapists can manage patient care without significant interruptions in the face of unforeseen staffing issues.

Summary

House Bill 1517, titled the 'Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025', seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act by allowing physical therapists to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare. This legislative proposal aims to address challenges in patient access to physical therapy services by enabling physical therapists to have the same flexibility in staffing as physicians. Should this bill be enacted, it would reflect an important shift in the recognition and regulation of physical therapy as an essential healthcare service within Medicare guidelines.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support due to its focus on improving patient access to care, there may be underlying points of contention related to the qualifications and oversight of locum tenens physical therapists. Concerns may arise around the standards of care and continuity when therapists rotate in and out of practices. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the implications of this bill on the existing regulatory framework governing healthcare providers and how it harmonizes with other Medicare rules affecting service delivery.

Congress_id

119-HR-1517

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-02-24

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.