Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act

The Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act is a proposed bill in the United States House of Representatives and Senate, as of September 13, 2010. The bill would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Function

The bill would allow Medicare recipients to receive services from licensed physical therapists without a physician's referral. Additionally, outpatient speech-language pathology treatment could be given separately from other outpatient services.

Oversight

Authorized physical therapists must have a certificate from a school nationally accredited by the secretary of education. Physical therapists treating Medicare patients must keep detailed records of the patient's treatment.

History

Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas introduced the Senate version of the bill (S-950) on April 30, 2009. As of September 9, 2010, the bill has not left the Senate Finance Committee. Representative Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota introduced a House version. As of September 13, 2010, the bill has not left the Energy and Commerce Committee or the Ways and Means Committee.

References

• Library of Congress: Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009 (Senate)
• Library of Congress: Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009 (House)