The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R. 1517) has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan, APTA-supported legislation would allow physical therapists in all geographical regions to enter locum tenens arrangements under Medicare.
Locum tenens, meaning "to hold the place of or substitute," allows eligible providers to bring in a qualified replacement during a temporary absence for illness, pregnancy, vacation, or continuing education. Currently, locum tenens for physical therapists is allowed only in federally designated rural and underserved areas. This limitation prohibits many PTs in outpatient practice from taking needed leave without continuity of care for their patients. APTA successfully enacted the initial locum tenens law for rural and underserved areas in 2016 as part of the 21st Century Cures Act; H.R. 1517 would expand the ability to use locum tenens nationwide.
Expanding locum tenens under Medicare for physical therapists to all areas will ensure uninterrupted patient care and prevent regression while allowing physical therapists flexibility. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (D-FL) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY).
Read more about this and other bills APTA is supporting by clicking here.(Members Only)
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