SB361 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Physical therapists, referral by physician or dentist, requirement removed, Secs. 34-24-191, 34-24-217 am'd.

Summary

SB361 would remove the requirement that licensed physical therapists must be referred by a physician or dentist to practice in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

If passed, physical therapists could treat patients without needing a doctor or dentist to refer them. The bill changes the cited code sections to remove the referral rule while keeping the rest of the licensing and discipline rules in place. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Licensed physical therapists would be able to practice without referrals from physicians or dentists.
• Patients seeking physical therapy could access therapy without a mandatory referral.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 34-24-191 and 34-24-217 to remove the referral requirement for practicing physical therapy.
• Maintains Board of Physical Therapy governance and other disciplinary grounds, with no change to those rules besides the referral removal.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Physical Therapy, Board of