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PT for PTs Act of 2021

12/31/2022, 5:36 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5452

Bill 117 HR 5452, also known as the PT for PTs Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to expand the scope of practice for physical therapists (PTs) by allowing them to provide certain services without the need for a physician's referral.

Under the PT for PTs Act of 2021, PTs would be able to evaluate and treat patients without a referral from a physician, as long as they have a doctorate degree in physical therapy and meet certain other requirements. This would give PTs more autonomy in their practice and allow them to provide more timely and efficient care to patients.

The bill also includes provisions to improve access to physical therapy services, particularly in underserved areas. It would establish a grant program to help PTs set up practices in rural and other underserved communities, as well as provide funding for continuing education and training for PTs in these areas. Overall, the PT for PTs Act of 2021 aims to empower PTs to provide high-quality care to patients, improve access to physical therapy services, and reduce healthcare costs. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently being reviewed by relevant committees before potentially being voted on by the full House and Senate.

Congressional Summary of HR 5452

Parity in Telehealth for Physical Therapists Act of 2021 or the PT for PTs Act of 2021

This bill permanently allows physical therapists to provide telehealth services under Medicare.

Currently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is authorized to waive requirements for Medicare telehealth services during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19, and it has done so to allow all providers that are otherwise eligible to furnish in-person services under Medicare to also furnish telehealth services.

Current Status of Bill HR 5452

Bill HR 5452 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 30, 2021. Bill HR 5452 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on September 30, 2021.  Bill HR 5452's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of October 1, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5452

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5452

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Health personnel
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
- Medicare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5452

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include physical therapists as practitioners able to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program.
PT for PTs Act of 2021
PT for PTs Act of 2021
Parity in Telehealth for Physical Therapists Act of 2021

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 5452