This bill amends various provisions related to the practice of physical therapy in Minnesota, updating definitions, supervision requirements, and disciplinary actions. It expands the definition of "physical therapy" to include evaluation, diagnosis, and wellness education, and introduces new terms such as "student physical therapist" and "student physical therapist assistant." The bill modifies supervision requirements, allowing physical therapists to supervise assistants remotely, as long as they are accessible via telecommunications. It also clarifies the responsibilities of physical therapists in directing students and assistants, ensuring direct patient contact during treatment sessions. Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for unauthorized practice and repeals previous limitations on treatment without a referral after a 90-day period, while still requiring referrals when necessary.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that physical therapists can treat patients without a referral if collaborating with licensed healthcare professionals in good standing, and it removes the 90-day limitation for services focused on prevention, wellness, education, or exercise. It categorizes violations of these regulations as gross misdemeanors and allows the Board of Physical Therapy to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation, as well as seek injunctions against non-compliance. The bill also repeals certain sections of Minnesota Statutes that defined licensed healthcare professionals and outlined penalties for violations, streamlining the legal framework surrounding physical therapy practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.65, 148.706, 148.75, 148.76