SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1880        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John J. Cronin

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to physical therapy.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1880        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to physical therapy.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Section 23A of Chapter 112 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the definition of “physical therapy” and inserting the following:-

“''Physical therapy'', a health profession that utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of acute or prolonged physical dysfunction thereby promoting optimal health and function. Physical therapy practice is evaluation, prevention, treatment, management, and education related to neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, integumentary, and respiratory functions. Such evaluation shall include but is not limited to the administration and interpretation of tests and measures, including diagnostic imaging, electrodiagnostic and electrophysiological tests and measures, as an aid to the diagnosis and the creation of patient management plans. Such treatment shall include but is not limited to the use of therapeutic exercise, physical activities, traction, mobilization, functional and endurance training, bronchopulmonary care, postural drainage, splinting and bracing, massage, heat, cold, water, radiant energy, light, electricity or sound. Such education shall include teaching both patient and family physical therapy procedures as part of a patient's ongoing program. Such management shall include authorization to directly recommend and prescribe durable medical equipment to patients.  Physical therapy also shall include the delegating of selective forms of treatment to physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides; provided, however, that the physical therapist so delegating shall assume the responsibility for the care of the patient and the supervision of the physical therapist assistant or physical therapy aide. 

Physical therapy shall also include the providing of consultation services for health, educational, and community agencies.”