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Bill

A 983

Removes limits on licensed physical therapists treating patients without a referral

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 17 co-sponsors

Bill A 983 allows patients to access physical therapy without a physician's referral, improving care access and efficiency while empowering therapists to treat independently.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 983

Summary of Bill A 983

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 983
  • Title: Removes limits on licensed physical therapists treating patients without a referral
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 983 aims to enhance the accessibility of physical therapy services by removing the existing requirement for patients to obtain a referral from a physician before receiving treatment from a licensed physical therapist. The intent of this legislation is to streamline patient access to care, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing delays in treatment.

Key Provisions

  • Removal of Referral Requirement: The primary provision of the bill is the elimination of the need for a referral from a physician for patients to receive physical therapy services. This change is expected to empower patients to seek treatment directly from physical therapists.
  • Scope of Practice: The bill clarifies that licensed physical therapists can evaluate and treat patients independently, which may lead to more timely interventions and personalized care plans.

Affected Parties

  • Patients: Individuals seeking physical therapy will benefit from reduced barriers to access, allowing them to initiate treatment without waiting for a physician's referral.
  • Physical Therapists: Licensed physical therapists will have greater autonomy in their practice, enabling them to treat patients directly and potentially expand their client base.
  • Healthcare System: The bill may impact the overall healthcare system by reducing the burden on physicians and potentially lowering healthcare costs associated with unnecessary referrals.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills (A 7873, A 7443, A 9248, A 5974, A 2300) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 1717), indicating ongoing legislative interest in this issue.

Conclusion

Bill A 983 represents a significant shift in the regulation of physical therapy practices by allowing direct access for patients. If passed, it could lead to improved patient care and efficiency within the healthcare system. Stakeholders, including patients and physical therapists, will be closely monitoring the bill's progress through the legislative process.

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

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