Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2024-12-21T09:05:47Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1617 Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/21/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1617

Bill 118 HR 1617, also known as the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023, aims to address issues related to interruptions in physical therapy services. The bill seeks to ensure that patients receiving physical therapy are able to continue their treatment without unnecessary disruptions.

One key provision of the bill is the requirement for insurance companies to provide coverage for physical therapy services without imposing arbitrary limits or restrictions. This is intended to ensure that patients can receive the care they need for as long as necessary, without being forced to stop treatment prematurely due to insurance constraints.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve access to physical therapy services, particularly in underserved communities. This includes provisions for increasing the number of physical therapists in rural and low-income areas, as well as expanding telehealth options for patients who may have difficulty accessing in-person care. Overall, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023 aims to improve the quality and accessibility of physical therapy services for patients across the country. By addressing issues related to insurance coverage and access to care, the bill seeks to ensure that patients can receive the treatment they need to recover and maintain their health and well-being.

Congressional Summary of HR 1617

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023

This bill allows a physical therapist to receive payment under Medicare for services provided to the physical therapist's patients by another physical therapist through a qualifying temporary arrangement, regardless of the geographic area or population served. Currently, physical therapists may only receive payment with respect to such arrangements for services provided in medically underserved, rural, or health professional shortage areas.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1617

Bill HR 1617 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1617 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1617's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1617

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

138

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1617

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Contracts and agencyHealth care coverage and accessHealth personnelHome and outpatient careLong-term, rehabilitative, and terminal careMedicare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1617

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to add physical therapists to the list of providers allowed to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare.

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