IL HB3402

Allows licensed physical therapists to conduct initial evaluations via telehealth without a referral when they determine an in-person examination is not required based on clinical judgment, removing the previous requirement of a "documented hardship" such as geographical or weather-related conditions

Eliminates the requirement that telehealth be used only as an "exception" with documented clinical justification for physical therapy services

Permits physical therapists and licensed physical therapy assistants to require patients to undergo an in-person visit instead of telehealth services at their discretion

Expands provider flexibility by allowing physical therapists offering telehealth to either provide in-person care directly or facilitate a referral to in-person care within Illinois, rather than requiring them to personally have in-person capacity

Establishes that the standard of care for telehealth physical therapy is equal to the standard of care for in-person physical therapy services