Bill > SB808

This bill clarifies and updates the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Practice Act, specifically modifying provisions related to referrals and treatment. The bill expands the scope of physical therapists' ability to evaluate and treat patients without a physician referral, explicitly including those operating under direct-to-employer contracts. Physical therapists can now evaluate and treat patients without a referral for up to 30 days, and the bill maintains existing provisions allowing treatment for children under specific education laws, performing screenings, educational procedures, and wellness or fitness services. The bill also preserves language specifying that physical therapists cannot practice other branches of healing arts and must comply with licensing requirements. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical edits to language, such as standardizing capitalization and punctuation. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for physical therapists while maintaining professional standards and patient safety. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025, giving healthcare providers and regulatory bodies time to adapt to the new provisions.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb808&Session=2600