HB 372 -- Physical Therapists

Sponsor:  Treadway

This bill contains provisions regarding the practice of physical
therapy, these provisions:

(1)  Limit the practice of physical therapists within the scope
of their education and training;

(2)  Prohibit physical therapists from making medical diagnosis
or performing treatments other than those related to physical
therapy;

(3)  Requires physical therapists to refer patients to proper
health care providers for symptoms which are unknown or not
within the scope of their practice; and

(4)  Prohibits physical therapists from paying or attempting to
pay a referral fee.

Nothing in this bill prohibits a physical therapist from
providing treatment to a patient for a period of 30 days without
a prescription from a licensed physician, chiropractor, dentist,
or podiatrist.  Nothing prohibits further treatment beyond the
30 days by a physical therapist if there are appropriate signs
of improvement in the patient's condition.

Nothing prevents physical therapists from performing activities
such as screening and educational procedures, evaluating
athletic injuries, developing fitness programs, providing
consultative services, or providing a physical therapy diagnosis
without the referral of a physician beyond the 30 day limitation.