MI HB5358

Requires employers to reimburse physical therapy services only when provided by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant under supervision of a licensed physical therapist, pursuant to a referral from specified health care professionals (those holding licenses under parts 166, 170, 175, or 180 of the public health code or equivalent licenses from another state).

Modifies language in section 315 of the Worker's Disability Compensation Act regarding health care provider consent to utilization review, changing "shall be considered to have consented to submitting" to "is considered to have agreed to submit."

Clarifies that the workers' compensation agency shall establish criteria or standards for utilization review by rule, and carriers complying with these standards shall be certified by the department.

Modifies provisions allowing carriers to require health facilities or providers to explain in writing the necessity for health care or services that are not usually associated with, or are longer in duration, more frequent than, or extend over more days than typically required for the diagnosis or condition being treated.

Bill becomes effective only if House Bill No. 5356 is enacted into law.