Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act. This key legislation builds upon a provision which was signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act to give physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to the ability to use locum tenens arrangements to ensure their patients continue to receive quality care during a temporary provider absence (e.g. illness, family leave, or continued professional education). The Bilirakis-Tonko legislation extends this same arrangement to ALL physical therapists in the outpatient setting participating in the Medicare program. This represents a significant benefit for Medicare patients, many of whom already face difficulty finding a qualified physical therapist in parts of the country due to a current shortage in the field. When they do begin physical therapy treatment, they don’t want that care interrupted due to a temporary provider absence.
“In recent years, we’ve seen countless examples of how important it is for our healthcare providers to have greater flexibility to meet patient needs,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Physical therapy is a vital component of our healthcare system, and these providers must also have the flexibility to ensure access to quality care. This legislation will enable them to better achieve that goal.”
“Interruptions in physical therapy services can have lasting, detrimental effects on patients, and eliminating those gaps in access is especially critical for seniors and those in historically underserved communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “That’s why I’m standing with my colleague, Representative Bilirakis to introduce the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act. Our legislation provides a targeted response to this challenge, bolstering our healthcare system and the patients who depend on it. I urge Congress to pass this smart, compassionate bill at once.”
“Consistent, ongoing care from a physical therapist plays a crucial role in achieving optimal patient outcomes and should be accessible to all,” said American Physical Therapy Association (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.”
