SB2153: PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEHEALTH

Legislative Summary

Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. In provisions concerning telehealth services, provides that physical therapists may use telehealth to perform an initial physical therapy evaluation if certain criteria are met. Removes language providing that initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or established diagnosis may only be performed by a licensed physical therapist and cannot be performed via telehealth unless necessary to address a documented hardship. Provides that a physical therapist may require a patient to undergo an in-person visit instead of providing telehealth services. Removes language providing that the use of telehealth as a primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exception and documentation must support the clinical justification. Provides that a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant may engage in the practice of telehealth services in this State to the extent of his or her scope of practice as established in the Act and consistent with the standards of care for in-person services. Provides that the provisions concerning telehealth services shall not be construed to authorize the delivery of physical therapy services in a setting or in a manner not otherwise authorized by law. Provides that a physical therapist treating a patient located in the State through telehealth services must be licensed or authorized to practice physical therapy in the State. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may, by rule, exempt physical therapists and physical therapist assistants providing physical therapy services as part of the Illinois Early Intervention Program, an individualized education program, or a federal Section 504 plan through a school system from the provisions concerning telehealth services to address service delays.