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IN SB0586
Bill
AI Summary
- Creates the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy as an independent 5-member board (3 physical therapists, 1 physical therapist assistant, 1 public member), replacing oversight by the Medical Licensing Board and Indiana Physical Therapy Committee
- Extends the period a physical therapist may treat a patient without a referral from 24 to 42 calendar days, and adds physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the list of providers who may issue referrals
- Establishes new licensure pathways for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants educated outside the United States, including credentials evaluation, English proficiency testing, and potential supervised clinical practice requirements
- Authorizes physical therapists to perform dry needling after completing board-approved continuing education, and requires American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certification for those conducting electrophysiologic or electrodiagnostic testing
- Creates exemptions from licensure for out-of-state physical therapists providing services during declared emergencies (up to 60 days), those treating athletic teams or performing arts companies temporarily in Indiana (up to 60 days), and those teaching educational seminars (up to 60 days)
Legislative Description
Regulation of physical therapists. Establishes the Indiana board of physical therapy (board). (Current law regulates physical therapy under the medical licensing board, with certain functions delegated to the Indiana physical therapy committee.) Creates a new definition of "physical therapy" and adds or amends other definitions. Amends certain prohibited acts to include business entities. Adds physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the list of persons who may issue an order to a physical therapist. Allows a physical therapist to treat a patient for 42 days without a referral from a provider. (Current law allows treatment for 24 days.) Provides that certain individuals are exempt from license and certification requirements. Adds a physical therapist assistant to the board and removes the physician member. Establishes requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who have been educated outside the United States. Establishes requirements to sit for the licensure and certification examinations. Allows the applicant to take the examination not more than six times. Allows the board to disqualify an applicant for certain acts related to the examination. Requires a person who seeks reinstatement for a lapsed license to demonstrate evidence of continuing competence. Establishes certain responsibilities for physical therapists. Allows a physical therapist assistant to work under a physical therapist. Transfers the rules, duties, and records concerning physical therapy from the medical licensing board to the board. Makes conforming changes.
Last Action
Public Law 160
5/1/2019