SF3049

SF3049 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Physical therapy practice provisions modifications

Related bill: HF2689

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update Minnesota's laws regarding the practice and regulation of physical therapy. It seeks to ensure that physical therapy is practiced safely and legally, with enhanced supervision and penalties for violations.

Main Provisions

Enhanced Supervision Requirements: The bill requires that student physical therapists and assistants work under stricter supervision standards. Licensed physical therapists must directly supervise these students, having face-to-face or real-time contact during treatment sessions.
Delegation and Duties: The bill clarifies which activities can be directed to physical therapist assistants. Critical tasks such as initial patient evaluations and treatment planning must be conducted by a licensed physical therapist only.
Disciplinary Action: Outlines potential disciplinary actions for violations, including revoking or suspending licenses, imposing fines, and public reprimand.
Prohibited Conduct and Penalties: It is a gross misdemeanor to practice physical therapy without proper licensing. The use of unlicensed individuals to provide physical therapy is also prohibited, with severe penalties for violations, including financial penalties and the possibility of legal injunctions.
Criminal Penalties: The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain violations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional standards in physical therapy practice.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill increases the supervision requirements for student physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, ensuring higher professional standards.
It repeals and modifies certain definitions and provisions to clarify who can legally hold titles and perform tasks associated with physical therapy.
It imposes stricter disciplinary measures and outlines what constitutes professional misconduct in the practice of physical therapy.

Relevant Terms

physical therapy, student physical therapist, student physical therapist assistant, licensed physical therapist, supervision, delegation, disciplinary action, criminal penalties, licensure, prohibited conduct

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Health and Human Services

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the practice of medicine which is excluded from the definition of physical therapy.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "147.081",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the practice of chiropractic which is also excluded from the definition of physical therapy.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148.01",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The board's approval for educational programs for student physical therapists.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148.705",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the practice of podiatry related to the practice of physical therapy.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "153.01",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the practice of dentistry related to the practice of physical therapy.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "150A.05",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines an advance practice nursing related to the practice of physical therapy.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148.171",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to appointment of guardian which leads to automatic suspension of physical therapist license.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "524.5-101 to 524.5-502",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Committed by order of a court under this chapter can lead to suspension of physical therapist license.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "253B",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Related to advanced practice nursing collaborative directives essential for physical therapy referrals.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "62A.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
  }
]