SB 2146 - Physical Therapy

• Redefines "physical therapist assistant" to perform patient-related activities under direction of a physical therapist, removing distinctions based on supervising physician type

• Creates new category of "physical therapy aide" trained under physical therapist direction to perform designated routine tasks, replacing former "physical therapist practitioner" definition

• Expands physical therapist licensing to accept accrediting agencies approved by the Board of Physical Therapy Practice, not limited to Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or U.S. Department of Education

• Prohibits sexual misconduct by both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants with patients, extending prohibition previously limited to therapists

• Adds exemptions allowing physical therapists to practice in U.S. Armed Services, Public Health Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs under federal regulations, and permits practice during declared emergencies for up to 60 days following displacement