The bill HB232 amends Sections 34-24-191 and 34-24-210.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to broaden the practice scope for licensed physical therapists. Key changes include the deletion of the requirement for physical therapy to be practiced only upon referral from certain licensed professionals, allowing physical therapists to conduct initial screenings for non-work-related injuries without a referral, provided they meet specific educational criteria. The bill introduces the term "physical therapy referrer" and establishes that physical therapists must have either a doctorate in physical therapy or a master's degree with 10 years of clinical experience to treat patients without a referral. It also mandates two hours of annual continuing education focused on professional standards of care and sets minimum professional liability insurance requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which physical therapists can treat patients without a referral, such as for children with developmental disabilities or patients with chronic conditions diagnosed within the last 120 days. It emphasizes the importance of timely referrals if a patient's condition worsens and prohibits physical therapists from engaging in practices outside their scope, such as prescribing medications. The bill also clarifies that physical therapy referrers will not be held civilly liable for actions taken by physical therapists without a referral and specifies advertising restrictions for physical therapists with doctoral degrees. The provisions of this act will take effect on June 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-24-191, 34-24-210
Engrossed: 34-24-191, 34-24-210
Enrolled: 34-24-191, 34-24-210