HB50 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Physical therapy, eliminate requirement for referral from physician or other health care practitioner to perform physical therapy, Secs. 34-24-191, 34-24-210.1, 34-24-217 am'd.

Summary

HB 50 would remove the requirement that physical therapy must be based on a referral, allowing licensed physical therapists to provide PT services without a referral in more situations.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the law would no longer restrict physical therapy to cases with a referral from a physician or other licensed health professional. It would expand the circumstances in which a licensed physical therapist can start or continue treatment without a prior referral, and would update the related definitions and licensing rules to reflect this change. The bill also sets when the new rules would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Patients receiving physical therapy, who could receive PT services without a prior referral in a broader set of situations.
• Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, who would have greater authority to provide PT services without mandatory referrals and would operate under revised licensing rules.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 34-24-191, 34-24-210.1, and 34-24-217 to remove the prohibition on practicing physical therapy without a referral from a licensed health care practitioner.
• Allows initial evaluation and certain physical therapy services to be performed without prescription or referral in broader circumstances, subject to updated provisions in the amended code.
• Adjusts licensure and discipline language to reflect the new standard that PT services may be provided without referral in more cases.
• Sets the act to become effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Physical Therapists