[r93] Bill to make Physical Therapists more available passes out of Public Health Committee (2/21/2011)

Monday, February 21, 2011

Start Date: 2/21/2011 All Day
End Date: 2/21/2011
STATEHOUSE - House Bill 1151 would make physical therapists more accessible to Hoosiers has moved to the House Floor for debate. The House Public Health Committee approved the bill, authored by Representative David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis), Monday morning 9-4.

The bill would remove the requirement of a patient needing a doctor's referral before they can see a physical therapist.

"This bill is about affordability and accessibility," said Rep. David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis). "The time it takes for some Hoosiers to get a referral from their doctor can result in the person becoming further injured and having to spend more money to cover their medical costs."

Physical therapists would be allowed to evaluate and treat a non-referred patient for up to 30 days. After the 30 days, a physical therapist could still treat the patient but would need to receive a referral from the patient's provider.

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