HB 1020 - Physical Therapy Practice Act Amendments

• Permits individuals to access physical therapy services without a physician referral for up to 30 days, after which continued treatment requires referral from a licensed physician, surgeon, dentist, chiropractor, or podiatrist.

• Allows physical therapist assistants to provide treatment under the supervision of a physical therapist during the initial 30-day period without referral.

• Maintains existing exceptions allowing physical therapists to provide services without referral for children receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

• Clarifies that physical therapists may perform screening, educational procedures, and wellness/prevention services without physician referral, and modifies workers' compensation claim provisions.

• Effective date: November 1, 2014.