Statutes & Rules

Moves the definition of a licensed health care professional or provider from rule to statute;
Changes the time frame from 30 days to 90 days during which a patient may be treated by a physical therapist without an order or referral from a physician, chiropractor, dentist, podiatrist, or advanced practice nurse;
Allows a physical therapist, who has been licensed for less than one year, to provide physical therapy without referral:
- when working in collaboration with a physical therapist who has more than one year of experience or
- under a physician's orders or referrals;
Expands the requirement that a physical therapist refer a patient to a licensed health care professional at any time during the care if the patient's medical condition is beyond the scope of a physical therapist;
Allows direct access without a time limitation for patients being treated by a physical therapist for prevention, wellness, education, or exercise; and
Requires the Board of Physical Therapy to provide a report to the legislature regarding any disciplinary actions taken against physical therapists whose conduct resulted in physical harm to a patient, if that conduct was the result of the 2008 statutory changes.