The proposed bill would 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 replaces the existing specification that limited imaging orders to musculoskeletal imaging consisting of plain film radiographs, thereby broadening the types of imaging that can be ordered.

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 enhance the scope of practice for physical therapists while ensuring patient safety and proper communication with other health care providers.

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