HB145 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

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

The bill would remove the referral requirement for physical therapy, allowing licensed physical therapists to treat patients without a referral in most cases (with some limited non-referral exceptions).

What This Bill Does

Allows licensed physical therapists to provide physical therapy without needing a referral from a physician or other licensed health professional. Keeps some limited non-referral circumstances (such as care for children with developmental disabilities, home health patients, nursing home residents, wellness/fitness activities, and ongoing care for previously diagnosed conditions with a plan of care).

Who It Affects

• Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants would be able to perform physical therapy without a referral, expanding their practice authority.
• Patients and care recipients (including children with developmental disabilities, home health patients, nursing home residents, wellness participants, and people with previously diagnosed conditions) could access physical therapy without a prior referral, under the bill's non-referral allowances.

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the prohibition that physical therapy must be performed only upon a referral from a licensed health care practitioner; PTs would be allowed to practice without a referral.
• Retains specific non-referral allowances in defined contexts, including care for a child with developmental disability, home health care, nursing home care, wellness/fitness activities, and ongoing treatment for a previously diagnosed condition with a plan of care that is communicated to the diagnosing provider within 15 days.
• Effective date: the act would become law on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Physical Therapists