APTA Colorado Action Alert: Support HB26-1231 — PT Youth Sports Physicals

Take action to support HB26-1231! HB26-1231 authorizes licensed physical therapists to perform pre-participation physical examinations and provide written clearance for students participating in school athletic activities. This policy recognizes the education, training, and clinical expertise of physical therapists and helps ensure students and families can access timely sports physicals across Colorado. The bill will be heard in its first committee in the House of Representatives soon. APTA Colorado is asking members to contact their State Representatives and urge support for HB26-1231. (P.S. We will ask you to do so again when the bill is in the Senate.)

Please make sure to fill in your legislator's name and your name in the body of the email!

CO2026AHB 26-1231

Physical Therapists Perform Sports Physicals

Last Action

Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

House • Feb 18, 2026

Latest Version

Introduced (02/18/2026)

Hearing Item • House Education

Mar 19, 2026 01:30pm

HCR 0107

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

Dear Representative [Last Name],

I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of HB26-1231.

This bill allows licensed physical therapists to perform pre-participation sports physicals for youth. Physical therapists are doctoral-level health care providers and clinical experts in movement, injury prevention, and exercise safety. Sports physicals focus heavily on screening for musculoskeletal readiness, joint stability, strength and flexibility, functional movement patterns, and injury risk. These are all core components of standardized physical therapy education and daily practice.

Nationally accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs include extensive training in anatomy, physiology, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary screening. In clinical practice, physical therapists are trained to take and interpret blood pressure, assess heart rate response to activity, screen for exercise intolerance, recognize abnormal breathing patterns, and identify signs of cardiopulmonary distress. They routinely treat patients recovering from cardiac events, pulmonary disease, post-surgical complications, and concussions. Identifying red flags and referring to physicians when necessary is a fundamental part of their professional training and ethical obligation

This bill is about collaboration and strengthening the continuum of care. Physical therapists are already part of a child’s health care ecosystem, particularly when it comes to injury prevention, return-to-play decisions, concussion recovery, and musculoskeletal development. In many communities, especially rural ones, PTs regularly communicate with primary care providers, coordinate with orthopedic specialists, work with athletic trainers and school staff, and refer patients when medical concerns arise.

Today, many sports physicals are happening outside the medical home. Many families turn to urgent care clinics or retail minute clinics. These visits are episodic and rarely integrated into a child’s long-term care plan. Allowing physical therapists to perform sports physicals keeps these evaluations within community-based clinics that already coordinate with other providers and maintain ongoing patient relationships.

HB26-1231 is a practical, collaborative solution that improves access, supports our communities, and uses Colorado’s health care workforce more efficiently.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our state.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Organization, if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]