SB 1389 Summary

• Allows licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Department of Education to diagnose medical conditions treatable by their respective services when providing services to students in educational settings.

• Eliminates the requirement that these professionals obtain a physician's prescription before providing therapy services to students, enabling the Department of Education to claim reimbursement more readily.

• Expands the scope of practice for occupational therapists to include diagnosing medical conditions, in addition to their existing services such as evaluating student needs, improving motor and cognitive skills, and adapting classroom environments.

• Expands the scope of practice for physical therapists to include diagnosing medical conditions, in addition to assessing physical abilities, developing treatment plans, improving strength and mobility, and recommending adaptive equipment.

• Expands the scope of practice for speech pathologists to include diagnosing medical conditions that can be treated by speech pathology services when working with Department of Education students in educational settings.