HB444 Summary

• Expands circumstances allowing licensed physical therapists to perform physical therapy without a referral from a physician, dentist, chiropractor, physician assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner.

• Adds new services that physical therapists can provide without referral, including care for individuals with previously diagnosed conditions (extending the diagnosis window from 90 to 120 days) and care for individuals with diagnosed chronic conditions under active management.

• Adds new service category allowing physical therapists to provide therapy to individuals for restoring strength, endurance, coordination, or range of motion, provided the patient does not initially present with new on-set pain, illness, or injury.

• Protects licensed physical therapists from disciplinary action based solely on employment or contractual relationships with physicians or physician groups, including fair market value compensation arrangements.

• Clarifies that the act does not require health benefit plans or insurance providers to cover or reimburse physical therapy services provided under the expanded independent practice authority.