Senate Bill 2006 Summary

• Allows physical therapists with a doctorate degree in physical therapy or five years of clinical experience to provide initial evaluations and treatment without a referral, but requires referral to another healthcare provider if no measurable improvement occurs within 30 days.

• Expands the State Board of Physical Therapy from six to seven members, changing composition to four physical therapists and two physical therapist assistants (removing the physician member), and eliminates the two consecutive-term limit for board appointments.

• Authorizes the board to issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence, conduct criminal background checks on applicants and licensees, and collect workforce planning data at licensure and renewal.

• Revises reciprocal licensure provisions to allow licensing of physical therapists and assistants from other states or U.S. territories without requiring examination if board standards are met.

• Removes the board's authority to issue temporary licenses during disasters or emergencies, but allows licensed out-of-state physical therapists to practice during declared emergencies affecting 42 or more Mississippi counties for up to 60 days with board notification.