MS HB417

Removes sunset/repealer provisions from Mississippi physical therapy licensing statutes, making permanent the definitions, licensing requirements, and disciplinary grounds for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

Requires physical therapists to obtain a prescription or referral from a physician, dentist, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner before performing services, with specified exceptions

Allows physical therapy without referral in limited circumstances: treating children with developmental disabilities, home health care, nursing homes, wellness/injury prevention settings, and previously diagnosed conditions within 180 days

Prohibits unlicensed individuals from using terms like "physical therapist," "PT," "DPT," "LPT," or "PTA" and makes it unlawful to employ unlicensed persons to provide physical therapy services

Effective date: July 1, 2012