Bill > HB1251

This bill modifies the Physical Therapy Practice Act by updating definitions and referral rules for physical therapists. The bill expands the list of healthcare professionals who can provide referrals to physical therapists to include certified nurse midwives, in addition to existing referral sources like physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The definition of "physician assistant" is also updated to reference specific medical practice acts. The bill clarifies that physical therapists can accept referrals from dentists, podiatrists, and now certified nurse midwives for treatments within those professionals' respective scopes of practice. The legislation maintains the fundamental principle that physical therapists cannot practice healing arts outside their defined scope and ensures that referral sources must hold an active professional license in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, or another U.S. state or territory. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's enactment, providing a standard transition period for implementation.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1251