PHYSICAL THERAPY PRESCRIPTION

Senate Bill 380

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom George

House Committee:  Health Policy

Senate Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 11-28-05

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 380 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 6-9-05

A physical therapist may treat an individual only upon the prescription of a person holding a license, other than a subfield license, issued under Part 166 (dentist), Part 170 or 175 (M.D. or D.O.),  or Part 180 (podiatrist).  Similarly, hospitals may require physical therapists to practice in the hospital only upon the prescription of the same licensed individuals.

The bill would amend the Public Health Code by striking the phrase "other than a subfield license" in both provisions to allow those with a subfield license (namely, physician's assistants) to also prescribe physical therapy services.

MCL333.17820 and 333.17822

FISCAL IMPACT:

There may be fiscal implications for the state as a payor of medical care services for Medicaid participants and for employees if Senate Bill 380 results in an increase in usage of non-physician providers for services that may result in a prescription referral to a physical therapist.  Some savings could result because physician's assistant services are provided at a lesser charge than physician services; however, in order to achieve overall savings, the appropriateness of the diagnosis and the level of physical therapy services resulting from physician's assistant referrals would need to be sustained at the same level as when subject to a physicians' care.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Susan Frey

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.