HB 2068 -- Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants

Sponsor:  Wasson

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

(1)  Defines "consultation by means of telecommunication" and
"physical therapy evaluation or treatment via telecommunication";

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

(3)  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;

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

(5)  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;

(6)  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;

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

(8)  Authorizes the board to file complaints with the
Administrative Hearing Commission;

(9)  Requires the board to publish at least quarterly a list of
persons whose licenses have been revoked, suspended, surrendered,
restricted, denied, or withheld except those who voluntarily
enter treatment programs;

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

(11)  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

(12)  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.

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