Okla. House passes PT referral bill

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation earlier this week that allows physical therapists to treat ailments without a prior referral from a physician or other medical professional. The House voted 68-21 for the legislation and sent it to the state Senate, where similar legislation is being considered. The bill removes restrictions in current state law that require a physician or other medical professional, such as a dentist or podiatrist, to refer a patient before a physical therapist can diagnose and treat an ailment. Opponents said physical therapists need physician oversight because they do not have the same level of education and training to reliably diagnose a patient’s disorder.

Source: Claims Journal