SB361 Summary

• Removes the requirement that licensed physical therapists can only practice upon referral from a physician or dentist in Sections 34-24-191 and 34-24-217 of the Alabama Code.

• Allows physical therapists to practice independently without a physician or dentist referral, while still prohibiting physical therapy from including radiology or electrosurgery.

• Exempts physical therapists with bona fide employment or independent contracts with physicians or physician groups from disciplinary action based solely on those employment relationships or referrals from their employers.

• Maintains that physical therapist assistants must continue to practice only under the direction of a registered physical therapist.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.