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The Florida Senate

SB 450 — Physical Therapy

by Senators Grimsley, Clemens, and Joyner

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)

The bill authorizes a physical therapist to implement a plan of treatment provided for a patient by a physician licensed in a state other than Florida. The bill increases the time frame for which a physical therapist can provide physical therapy treatment to a patient for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record or a physician licensed in another state. The time frame is increased from 21 days to 30 days.

The bill authorizes any person who holds a physical therapy license, and obtains a degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy, to use the letters “D.P.T.” and “P.T.” However, a physical therapist may not use the title “doctor” without also clearly informing the public of his or her profession as a physical therapist.

The bill revises terms prohibited from use by a person who is not licensed as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant and makes it a first degree misdemeanor to falsely represent licensure or to obtain a license by false representation.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.

Vote: Senate 37-0; House 117-0