Physical Therapy Referral Requirement Could be no More Thanks to Missouri Bill

A Missouri bill could allow patients to pursue help from physical therapists without requiring patients to see a physician or obtain a prescription; this is according to an Associated Press report.

The bill was granted “initial approval in a voice vote.” The bill is sponsored by St. Louis-area Republican Rep. David Gregory. According to the AP, he said that “getting approval from a doctor before treatment can take time and costs money, a hurdle for patients seeking care.”

There is one caveat. “Gregory’s proposal only applies to physical therapists with doctorates in physical therapy or at least five years experience in the field.” In addition, physical therapists would need to consult with patients’ doctors “if treatment lasts more than 10 visits or three weeks.” As it stands, the bill needs another vote of approval before going to the Senate.