This bill amends the supervision requirements for physical therapist assistants in Louisiana. It specifies that licensed physical therapist assistants must perform treatments under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, with duties aligned to their education and training. The bill increases the maximum number of individuals a physical therapist can supervise from five to six, and it replaces the term "physical therapist assistants" with "therapy supportive personnel." Additionally, it removes the previous requirement for documented conferences between physical therapists and assistants, allowing for more flexibility in supervision.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the frequency of patient reassessments by a supervising physical therapist, changing the requirement from every sixth treatment day to every twelfth treatment day or every thirty days, whichever comes first. It also emphasizes that the supervising physical therapist must be readily accessible through telecommunication and available for patient requests. Overall, the changes aim to streamline the supervision process while ensuring patient care remains a priority.

Statutes affected:
HB159 Original: 37:2418(F)(1)
HB159 Engrossed: 37:2418(F)(1)
HB159 Enrolled: 37:2418(F)(1)
HB159 Act 65: 37:2418(F)(1)