IL HB4478

Licensed physical therapists may provide physical therapy without a physician referral if they are at least 21 years old and hold a master's or doctorate degree or have 2+ years of practical experience as a licensed physical therapist.

Physical therapists must refer patients to a physician, dentist, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or podiatrist if symptoms require services beyond physical therapy's scope or if the patient shows no objective, measurable functional improvement after 90 consecutive days of treatment.

Removes from disciplinary violations the requirement that physical therapists obtain documented referrals or notify referring physicians when treating patients independently.

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may still take disciplinary action for other violations of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, including unprofessional conduct and violations of other listed grounds.

The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.