Bill > A1648

This bill revises statutes regarding the practice of physical therapy by clarifying definitions, expanding the scope of practice, and establishing new regulatory requirements. Key changes include defining "general supervision" for physical therapist assistants, allowing them to be supervised remotely under certain conditions, and introducing "intramuscular manual therapy" as a new technique that physical therapists can perform, which involves using a needle to treat myofascial pain without medication, distinct from acupuncture. The bill also updates the definition of physical therapy to include fitness, health, wellness, and prevention services, and allows students to take the national licensing exam before graduation under specific conditions. Furthermore, it modifies requirements for continuing professional education and competency, clarifies rules for out-of-state and emergency practice, and establishes penalties for practicing without a license, including a third-degree crime for knowingly practicing without a valid license or exceeding the scope of a limited license. The bill also mandates that physical therapists display notices about their licensure and fee information in their offices and requires them to provide their license number upon request.