A potential win for patient access to care is once again in the works: APTA-supported bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives proposes to expand the ability of PTs to bring in another licensed PT to treat Medicare patients during temporary absences. That ability, known as locum tenens, is currently limited to PTs in rural or underserved areas of the country.
The legislation, known as the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R. 1517), seeks to expand engagement in what the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services calls "reciprocal billing and fee-for-service" to all PTs.
Locum tenens provisions allow a PT to arrange for another qualified PT to treat the PT's patients during a temporary absence due to illness, vacation, continuing education, pregnancy, and other events, and still receive payment from Medicare. In 2016 APTA successfully advocated for enactment of legislation that allows the current use of locum tenens by PTs in rural and underserved areas; APTA has been a leading advocate for an expansion of that ability nationwide to all PTs to better support patient access to care and reduce administrative burden.
"Consistent, ongoing care from a physical therapist plays a crucial role in achieving optimal patient outcomes and should be accessible to all," said APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD. "The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act creates vital opportunities for continuous care by offering physical therapists the support and flexibility needed to ensure patients receive uninterrupted treatment, regardless of their location."
The legislation is in line with the agenda outlined in "APTA Public Policy Priorities, 2025-2026," which includes eliminating burdensome barriers facing the profession as a pillar of its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with policymakers. APTA members can urge passage of legislation by visiting the APTA Legislative Action Center. The association's Patient Action Center is also available to members as well as to patients and other supporters.
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