Senate Bill 1267 introduces changes to the regulation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Arizona. The bill shifts the terminology from "certification" to "licensure" for physical therapist assistants, indicating a move towards licensure for these professionals. It defines "student physical therapist" and "student physical therapist assistant" as individuals enrolled in accredited programs and clarifies that "general supervision" can include supervision via telehealth. Additionally, the bill removes the limitation that imaging ordered by physical therapists be restricted to musculoskeletal plain film radiographs.

The bill also outlines a new fee structure for license applications, renewals, and reinstatements, and sets conditions for disciplinary actions and substance abuse recovery programs for licensees. It specifies that current certified physical therapist assistants can retain their certification until renewal, after which they will be issued a license. Furthermore, the bill requires physical therapists to disclose any compensation from patient referrals and mandates the public display of licenses at the place of practice. It maintains confidentiality for complaint-related information unless disclosed during an investigation or as required by law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2001, 32-2043
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-2001, 32-2002, 32-2003, 32-2022, 32-2023, 32-2024, 32-2026, 32-2027, 32-2028, 32-2029, 32-2030, 32-2031, 32-2032, 30-2042, 32-2043, 32-2044, 32-2046, 32-2047, 32-2050, 32-2051, 36-2907, 36-3601, 38-211, 38-611, 41-1758.03, 32-4301, 32-3201, 32-2042
House Engrossed Version: 32-2001, 32-2002, 32-2003, 32-2022, 32-2023, 32-2024, 32-2026, 32-2027, 32-2028, 32-2029, 32-2030, 32-2031, 32-2032, 32-2042, 32-2043, 32-2044, 32-2046, 32-2047, 32-2050, 32-2051, 36-3601, 38-211, 38-611, 41-1758.03, 32-4301, 32-3201
Chaptered Version: 32-2001, 32-2002, 32-2003, 32-2022, 32-2023, 32-2024, 32-2026, 32-2027, 32-2028, 32-2029, 32-2030, 32-2031, 32-2032, 32-2042, 32-2043, 32-2044, 32-2046, 32-2047, 32-2050, 32-2051, 36-3601, 38-211, 38-611, 41-1758.03, 32-4301, 32-3201