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AB 248

Ratifies the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. (BDR 54-566)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Marzola

Allows Nevada to accept licensed PTs/PTAs from member states via a compact privilege, expanding in-state practice and telehealth while preserving Nevada’s regulatory authority.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 120.
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Bill Summary · AB 248

AB 248 — Ratifies the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (BDR 54‑566)

Status: Enacted (Approved by the Governor; Chapter 120, Statutes of 2025)
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Primary sponsor: Assemblymember Marzola

Main purpose

AB 248 ratifies Nevada’s participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). The Compact facilitates interstate practice by allowing licensed physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) from other Compact member jurisdictions to practice in Nevada (in person or via telehealth) through a “compact privilege,” while preserving Nevada’s regulatory authority over practice standards and discipline.

Key provisions

  • Enacts the PT Licensure Compact into Nevada law (adds a new section to Chapter 640 of NRS).
  • Establishes eligibility criteria for individuals to obtain a compact privilege, including:
    • Active, unencumbered home-state license;
    • No adverse actions within the prior 2 years;
    • Notification to the Physical Therapy Compact Commission and payment of applicable fees;
    • Compliance with any remote‑state requirements; and
    • Obligation to report adverse actions from non‑member states within 30 days.
  • Deems practice in Nevada under a compact privilege to be legally equivalent to practice under a Nevada license (same authority, duties, and legal protections).
  • Authorizes the Nevada Physical Therapy Board to disclose required information to the Compact’s data system and provides confidentiality rules for such data.
  • Replaces outdated terminology (e.g., “registered physical therapist” → “licensed physical therapist”).
  • Creates and recognizes the Physical Therapy Compact Commission as a joint public agency with rulemaking, meeting, dispute‑resolution, assessment (fee) and data system duties. The Commission may levy an annual assessment on member states; historically the Commission assessment has been $0.
  • Allows member states to take adverse action against compact privilege holders and to share investigative/disciplinary information.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Out‑of‑state PTs and PTAs from Compact member jurisdictions who want to practice in Nevada (including via telehealth).
  • Nevada patients, especially in rural/underserved areas, potentially gain improved access to PT services.
  • Regulatory bodies: Nevada Physical Therapy Board will participate in the Compact, share data, and retain enforcement authority.
  • Military families benefit from greater licensure portability for service members and spouses.

Expected impacts and costs

  • Access and workforce: Intended to expand access to PT care, assist recruitment, support telehealth, and help address Nevada’s documented PT shortage (Nevada: ~41 PTs per 100,000; needs additional FTEs to reach national averages).
  • Fiscal: The measure has a stated “Effect on the State: Yes” (administration/participation costs possible due to Compact Commission assessments and data‑system obligations). Local governments: No effect. State may collect modest state fees for compact privileges (examples cited: state fees set in some jurisdictions — $75 for PTs, $50 for PTAs; Compact Commission fee cited as ~$45).
  • Regulatory: Preserves Nevada’s licensing and disciplinary authority; compact privilege holders are subject to Nevada practice standards while practicing in Nevada.

Legislative/timeline highlights

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025.
  • Passed both legislative chambers and enrolled in spring 2025.
  • Approved by the Governor and chaptered in 2025 (Chapter 120).
  • Supported by Nevada Physical Therapy Board, APTA Nevada, Physical Therapy Compact Commission, University of Nevada (DPT program leadership), DoD (military spouse mobility), and patient advocacy groups.

Overall, AB 248 adopts an established interstate model (already used by many U.S. jurisdictions) to increase cross‑state mobility of PTs/PTAs, promote telehealth access, and address workforce shortages while retaining state regulatory control.

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

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