Bill > A00983

This bill amends the New York education law to remove existing restrictions on the duration of physical therapy treatment when a patient does not have a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, or midwife. Previously, physical therapists were limited to ten visits or thirty days of treatment without a referral and were required to have at least three years of full-time practice experience. The new bill replaces these restrictions with three key requirements: (1) physical therapists must refer patients to appropriate licensed professionals if symptoms are contraindicated or outside the scope of physical therapy, (2) if the patient has a primary care provider, the physical therapist must maintain ongoing communication with that professional during treatment, and (3) physical therapists must provide written notice to patients that their treatment may not be covered by insurance without a referral and obtain a signed form acknowledging this information. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, and state authorities are authorized to prepare necessary regulations in advance of the effective date.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A983