This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the authority of physical therapists to order imaging. Under the new law, a physical therapist would be allowed to order imaging only for patients with whom they have an established patient relationship and where there is a clinical need for the imaging. This change is significant as it removes the previous limitation that restricted imaging orders to musculoskeletal imaging consisting solely of plain film radiographs.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement that imaging must be performed by a qualified health care practitioner and interpreted by a licensed physician trained in radiology. It also stipulates that physical therapists must report the results of any imaging tests ordered to the patient's health care practitioner of record within seven days. Overall, the bill aims to clarify and expand the scope of imaging that physical therapists can order while ensuring patient safety and proper referral practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2041.01
House Engrossed Version: 32-2041.01
Chaptered Version: 32-2041.01