2023 -- S 0101
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LC000518
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S TATE OF RHODE IS L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A CT
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Introduced By: Senators F. Lombardi, Raptakis, Felag, Tikoian, Miller, LaMountain,
DiPalma, Ciccone, DiMario, and Lawson
Date Introduced: February 01, 2023
Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Section 5-40-23 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-40 entitled "Physical
2 Therapists" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 5-40-23. Ordering diagnostic imaging — Sunset.
4 (a) Physical therapists licensed pursuant to § 5-40-7 may order diagnostic imaging as
5 defined in § 5-40-1 to be performed and interpreted by other licensed healthcare professionals.
6 (b) All diagnostic imaging tests ordered by a physical therapist shall be reported by the
7 physical therapist to the patient’s designated primary care physician of record within seven (7) days
8 following receipt of the results. This reporting shall not be required if the patient does not have a
9 primary care physician.
10 (c) Managed healthcare plans shall provide a utilization report to the general assembly no
11 later than September 1, 2022, and annually thereafter.
12 (d) Unless extended by the general assembly, physical therapists shall not be authorized to
13 order diagnostic imaging as an authorized practice of physical therapy after December 31, 2023
14 December 31, 2025.
15 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC000518
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 EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A CT
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
***
1 This act would extend the existing authorization for physical therapists to order x-rays set
2 to expire on December 31, 2023 and continue the authorization until December 31, 2025.
3 This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC000518
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LC000518 - Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
101: 5-40-23