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SB 198

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Governor signed SB 198 revising physical therapist licensing and professional regulations, affecting patient access and scope of practice standards statewide.

06/23/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 198

Legislative bill overview

SB 198 modifies Rhode Island's regulations governing physical therapists' licensure, scope of practice, or professional requirements. The bill was introduced by five state senators and successfully passed through both chambers before receiving gubernatorial approval in June 2025. The specific regulatory changes are not detailed in the provided action summary.

Why is this important

Physical therapy licensing and scope-of-practice laws directly affect patient access to care, treatment costs, and whether patients can see PTs without physician referrals. Changes to these regulations can expand or restrict what services PTs can provide, potentially influencing healthcare delivery patterns and insurance coverage across Rhode Island. This affects both the estimated 1,000+ licensed PTs in the state and the patients they serve.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope expansion concerns: If the bill expands what PTs can diagnose or treat independently, physician organizations may argue it encroaches on medical practice or patient safety
  • Direct access limitations: If it restricts direct patient access (requiring physician referrals), patient advocates may oppose reduced healthcare accessibility
  • Continuing education/licensing requirements: Changes to professional standards could either burden practitioners with new requirements or be seen as insufficiently protective by consumer advocates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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