SB340 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mark Slade Blackwell

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Assistant to a physician, Chiropractor, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, authorized to refer person to licensed physical therapist for treatment, Secs. 34-21-85, 34-24-122, 34-24-292 am'd.

Summary

The bill allows licensed assistants to a physician, certified registered nurse practitioners, and licensed chiropractors to refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill authorizes these three groups to refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment. It specifies that CRNPs in active collaborative practice may refer, and similarly allows chiropractors and licensed physician assistants to refer, overriding certain existing restrictions in 34-24-191. The changes are implemented by amending sections 34-21-85, 34-24-122, and 34-24-292.

Who It Affects

• Licensed assistants to physicians, certified registered nurse practitioners, and licensed chiropractors would gain the authority to refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment.
• Patients who need physical therapy would potentially gain faster and easier access to PT services through referrals from these professionals.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 34-21-85, 34-24-122, and 34-24-292 to authorize licensed assistants to physicians, certified registered nurse practitioners, and licensed chiropractors to refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment.
• CRNPs in active collaborative practice with physicians may refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment notwithstanding Section 34-24-191.
• Chiropractors may refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment notwithstanding Section 34-24-191.
• A licensed assistant to a physician may refer patients to licensed physical therapists for treatment notwithstanding Section 34-24-191.
• Effective date: This act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Health