Bill > SB47

This bill makes several revisions to Maryland's Physical Therapy Practice Act, focusing on three key areas. First, it clarifies the definition of a "physical therapist assistant" by explicitly stating that such an individual must be licensed by the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, in addition to having passed the national physical therapy licensing examination. Second, the bill increases the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' membership from 8 to 9 members, specifically adding one more licensed physical therapist assistant to the board, bringing the total number of physical therapist assistant members to two. The board will continue to be composed of five licensed physical therapists (at least four actively practicing in the state), two licensed physical therapist assistants, and two consumer members. Lastly, the bill changes the board's method of sending license renewal notices, requiring electronic notification via email as the primary method, with an option for licensees to request first-class mail notifications instead. If an electronic renewal notice is returned as undeliverable, the board will then send a paper notice by first-class mail. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to modernize communication processes and ensure more precise representation on the state's physical therapy licensing board.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0047?ys=2025RS