BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > HB255

KY HB255

KY HB255
AN ACT relating to physical therapy.

summary

Introduced
02/04/2025
In Committee
03/27/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
03/28/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amend various sections of KRS Chapter 327, relating to the practice and regulation of physical therapy, to state legislative findings; allow a physical therapist to refer a patient for tests or examination; require a practitioner or employer to report a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has been convicted of a misdemeanor; require potential board members to not have been under any disciplinary action in the past five years; permit the Board of Physical Therapy to purchase professional liability insurance; authorize the board to convene committees and task forces to review and advise the board on pertinent issues; authorize the board to promulgate administrative regulations to establish fee amounts, issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings related to this chapter, and issue a license to a physical therapist assistant applicant; prohibit physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from engaging in sexual contact with any active patient of record or parent or legal guardian of the active patient of record; require the board to develop guidelines to follow upon receipt of an allegation of sexual misconduct by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; allow the board to receive periodic education on issues affecting the practice of physical therapy and public protection; allow the board to determine which disciplinary records may be expunged; authorize the board to establish the amounts, limits, or ranges for any fines imposed; repeal and reenact KRS 327.010 to define terms; repeal and reenact KRS 327.080 to deposit to the credit of a revolving fund for the use of the board; require all expenses of the board to be paid from the revolving fund.

AI Summary

This bill comprehensively updates Kentucky's physical therapy licensing and regulation laws, making numerous changes to enhance public safety and professional standards. The bill creates new legislative findings emphasizing the importance of protecting public health and ensuring physical therapists practice with reasonable skill and safety. It redefines key terms like "physical therapy" and "active patient", expands the Board of Physical Therapy's powers to include issuing advisory opinions, creating task forces, and purchasing professional liability insurance, and introduces more rigorous reporting and disciplinary mechanisms. Notably, the bill prohibits physical therapists from engaging in sexual contact with patients, requires reporting of misdemeanor convictions, and establishes guidelines for handling sexual misconduct allegations. The bill also modernizes provisions related to licensing, including creating a provisional license category, establishing more detailed background check requirements, and allowing for telehealth services. Additionally, the bill creates a new framework for fine implementation, allows for periodic education of board members, and provides mechanisms for expunging certain disciplinary records. The legislation aims to create a more comprehensive and protective regulatory environment for physical therapy practice in Kentucky, with an emphasis on patient safety, professional accountability, and clear ethical standards.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

reported favorably, to Rules (on 03/27/2025)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...