Physical Therapy Direct Access (Prescription Requirement Elimination)

Current understanding

Michigan SB 144 (103rd Legislature) would eliminate the existing prescription/referral requirement for physical therapy treatment under the Public Health Code and make additional modifications to the scope and practice of physical therapy by amending secs. 17801, 17820, 17822, 17824, and 17825 of 1978 PA 368 and adding sec. 17825a. If enacted, patients could access physical therapist services without first obtaining a prescription from a physician or other prescriber, expanding direct access and altering the scope of PT practice. The bill has passed one chamber.

Evidence log

• 2025-04-22 — Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820, 17822, 17824 & 17825 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & adds sec. 17825a.: cross-connection with occupational-licensing-compact: Both measures amend sec. 17801 (and adjacent PT provisions) of 1978 PA 368: SB 144 removes the prescription requirement while HB 4101/4102 operationalize the interstate PT licensure compact, together reshaping Michigan PT regulation. (novelty: 3)

Open questions

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