CHIROPRACTORS TO PRESCRIBE

PHYSICAL THERAPY

House Bill 4712 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Kathy Crawford

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 6-15-15

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4712 would amend the Public Health Code to allow chiropractors to prescribe physical therapy services for their patients.

Now under the Public Health Code, generally, a physical therapist cannot engage in treatment of a patient unless that patient has a prescription written by a dentist, a doctor of medicine, a doctor of osteopathy, or a podiatrist.  House Bill 4712 would retain this provision, and extend it, to allow a physical therapist to engage in treatment of a patient with a prescription written by a chiropractor.

In two instances, the code does allow a physical therapist to engage in treatment without a prescription from any of these health care professionals: (1) for 21 days or 10 treatments (whichever occurs first), and (2) when a patient is seeking physical therapy services to prevent injury or promote fitness.  House Bill 4712 would retain both of these provisions.

MCL 333.17820

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4712 would not have a significant fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

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