HCS HB 2068 -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
ASSISTANTS

SPONSOR:  Wasson (Kuessner)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of
11 to 0.

This substitute changes the laws regarding the licensure of
physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.  In its main
provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Specifies the services which may be provided by a physical
therapist without a prescription or the direction of an approved
health care provider;

(2)  Creates an inactive license for physical therapists and
physical therapy assistants, establishes certain criteria to be
followed when applying for an inactive status and for
reinstatement of an active status, and adds additional
restrictions on the issuance of temporary licenses;

(3)  Removes the provision which allows applicants to take the
licensing examination only three times;

(4)  Allows physical therapists and physical therapy assistants
licensed in other states to provide gratuitous services for a
period not to exceed 14 days in any one calendar year;

(5)  Authorizes the State Board of Registration for the Healing
Arts to destroy all documentation regarding meritless actions
brought by individuals incarcerated under the Department of
Corrections against licensees three months after the final
disposition of the case;

(6)  Authorizes the board to issue probationary licenses as an
alternative to a refusal to issue, suspend, or revoke a license;

(7)  Authorizes the board to suspend or restrict licenses of
those who it considers to be a clear and present danger to the
public;

(8)  Specifies that physical therapists retain ultimate authority
and responsibility of any physical therapy treatment being
provided by the physical therapy assistant under their
supervision; and

(9)  Requires all physical therapist assistant applicants to pass
a test administered by the board on the laws and rules relating
to the practice of physical therapist assistants.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will increase the
awareness and compliance of physical therapists and physical
therapy assistants of the laws governing their profession.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wasson; and Melinda
Christiansen, Advisory Commission for Physical Therapists.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm