Bill > AB2497

This bill, concerning physical therapists in California, significantly updates the Physical Therapy Practice Act by redefining key terms like "physical therapy" and "physical therapist" to emphasize their role as movement system specialists within the primary care team. It grants licensed physical therapists the authority to use the title "doctor of physical therapy" or "D.P.T.," expands their scope of practice to include prescribing nonopioid pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications after consultation with medical boards, and allows for tissue penetration for evaluating and treating the neuromuscular system, as well as performing and interpreting musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging. The bill also increases the number of physical therapist assistants a physical therapist can supervise from two to three and removes previous requirements for direct patient access to physical therapy, such as specific notice and physician approval timelines, while also repealing provisions related to electromyographical testing fees. Additionally, it makes a minor, non-substantive change to provisions regarding fees collected by the State Bar of California for disciplinary diversion programs.

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https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2497