Existing law, the Physical Therapy Practice Act, establishes the Physical Therapy Board of California to license and regulate physical therapists and the practice of physical therapy. A violation of the act is a crime. Existing law defines the terms "physical therapist," "physical therapist assistant," and "physical therapy" and sets forth the scope of practice of a physical therapist. Existing law authorizes only a licensed physical therapist to use the title "physical therapist" or the letters "P.T." or any other words, letters, or figures indicating that the person is a licensed physical therapist. Existing law establishes conditions for the initiation of services by a physical therapist directly, including providing a specified notice, orally and in writing, to a patient that is signed by the patient.
This bill, among other changes to the act, would redefine "physical therapy," "physical therapist," and "physical therapist assistant" for purposes of the act, as specified. The bill would, among other things, prohibit the use of any words, abbreviation, or insignia implying that physical therapy is provided unless those services are provided by or under the direction of a licensed physical therapist. The bill would delete existing requirements for the performance of tissue penetration by a physical therapist and instead would include within the practice of physical therapy the use of electrode needles and solid filiform needles to perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating, interpreting, and treating the neuromusculoskeletal system. The bill would authorize a physical therapist to perform and interpret musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and refer a patient for imaging studies. The bill would increase the number of physical therapist assistants a physical therapist is authorized to supervise from 2 to 3. The bill would repeal the notice and other requirements for the provision of direct physical therapy treatment services.
Because the bill would expand the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Statutes affected:
AB 2497: 6140.14 BPC
02/20/26 - Introduced: 6140.14 BPC
03/19/26 - Amended Assembly: 2601 BPC, 2601 BPC, 2620 BPC, 2620 BPC, 2620.1 BPC, 2620.1 BPC, 2620.3 BPC, 2620.3 BPC, 2620.5 BPC, 2620.5 BPC, 2622 BPC, 2622 BPC, 2633 BPC, 2633 BPC, 2689 BPC, 2689 BPC, 6140.14 BPC
04/15/26 - Amended Assembly: 2601 BPC, 2620 BPC, 2620.1 BPC, 2620.3 BPC, 2620.5 BPC, 2622 BPC, 2633 BPC, 2689 BPC
AB2497: 2601 BPC, 2601 BPC, 2620 BPC, 2620 BPC, 2620.1 BPC, 2620.1 BPC, 2620.3 BPC, 2620.3 BPC, 2620.5 BPC, 2620.5 BPC, 2622 BPC, 2622 BPC, 2633 BPC, 2633 BPC, 2689 BPC, 2689 BPC, 6140.14 BPC