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HB 3402

Relating to transportation; prescribing an effective date; providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority.

2025 Regular Session

Expands telehealth for initial and ongoing physical therapy in Illinois with parity to in-person care, while preserving in-person options and requiring clinical justification.

At Desk upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3402

HB3402 — PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEHEALTH (Illinois)

Overview
HB3402 would amend the Illinois Physical Therapy Act to expand and standardize the use of telehealth for initial physical therapy evaluations and ongoing telehealth delivery, while preserving patient access to in-person care and ensuring parity in the standard of care between telehealth and in-person services. The section is noted as scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026, indicating a sunset unless extended.

Key Provisions
- Initial evaluations via telehealth
- Initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or established diagnosis may be performed by a licensed physical therapist using telehealth when the therapist determines that an in-person examination is not required based on clinical judgment and the standard of care.
- Telehealth may be used when in-person evaluation is not required due to factors such as geographical, physical, or weather-related conditions.

  • In-person requirements and exceptions

    • A physical therapist or licensed physical therapy assistant may require an in-person visit instead of telehealth.
    • The use of telehealth as the primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exception, with documentation supporting the clinical justification.

  • Patient access to in-person care

    • A patient receiving physical therapy has the right to request and receive in-person care at any point during treatment.

  • Capacity for in-person care

    • A telehealth-enabled PT must have the capacity to provide or facilitate a referral to in-person care within the State of Illinois.

  • Standard of care

    • The standard of care for patients receiving physical therapy via telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person physical therapy.

  • Administrative context

    • The provision appears within 225 ILCS 90/1.3 (Telehealth services) and aligns with telehealth regulations and the broader Telehealth Act framework.

Affected Parties
- Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) practicing in Illinois.
- Patients receiving physical therapy, including those starting care via telehealth.
- Health systems, clinics, and telehealth providers delivering physical therapy services.
- Insurers and payers implementing telehealth coverage policies (consistent with existing Telehealth Act provisions).

Timeline and Procedural Details
- Introduced: February 18, 2025 (HB3402 filed February 26, 2025; introduced by Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar).
- Legislative actions:
- February 18, 2025: Referred to Rules Committee; later assigned to Health Care Licenses Committee (March 11, 2025).
- March 7, 2025: Co-sponsor added (Rep. Michael Crawford).
- March 21, 2025: Referred to State Affairs; Read first time; Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.
- Status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (as of the latest provided update).
- Related companion bills: SB 2025 and HB 145.

Related Bills
- SB 2025 (companion)
- HB 145 (companion)

Potential Impacts
- Improves access to physical therapy through telehealth while ensuring patients can obtain in-person care as needed.
- Codifies that telehealth initial evaluations can be appropriate when supported by clinical judgment and standard of care.
- Maintains patient choice and requires documentation for telehealth-as-sole-delivery.
- Establishes expectation of parity in standard of care between telehealth and in-person PT.

Notes
- The bill references existing telehealth interoperability and capacity requirements, and includes a sunset provision indicating repeals unless extended (January 1, 2026).

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

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