Bill > HB232

This bill amends the Code of Alabama to update the scope of practice for physical therapists. The key provisions include: 1. Defining important terms related to physical therapy, such as "physical therapist," "physical therapist assistant," and "physical therapy referrer." 2. Allowing physical therapists with a doctorate or 10 years of experience to perform an initial evaluation and provide treatment without a referral, subject to certain limitations and requirements. This includes a 30-day or 11-visit treatment limit before requiring a referral, exceptions for certain conditions, and prohibitions on certain activities like ordering imaging or medications. 3. Requiring physical therapists treating patients without a referral to maintain professional liability insurance and restricting the use of the term "doctor" in advertising. 4. Clarifying that the bill does not create a requirement for health plans to cover the services authorized under the bill. The overall intent is to expand the scope of practice for experienced physical therapists while maintaining certain safeguards and limitations.