WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure physical therapy services and care remain accessible for Medicare patients nationwide even when patients’ regular physical therapist is temporarily unavailable. Current restrictions on physical therapy substitute providers jeopardize consistent care that helps restore mobility, function and independent living and coincides with an increased quality of life.

This legislation expands upon the Boozman-backed 21st Century Cures Act passed into law in 2016 that bolstered access to physical therapy services in rural and underserved communities during a temporary provider absence. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act extends the flexibilities for physical therapists to permit a temporary substitution of a provider, just as other physicians can during typical leaves of absence to avoid interruptions in care and bureaucratic delays.

“Physical therapy is an important part of the care seniors in Arkansas and around our country rely on, but disruptions in treatment can hinder recovery as well as compound burdens and costs,” said Boozman. “I am pleased to work on a bipartisan solution to help ensure Medicare patients can continue receiving this essential care conveniently from qualified providers while keeping their healing process on track.”

“Nationwide, there are millions of Americans, myself included, who have benefited from physical therapy and received the care they needed to get stronger and better,” said Luján. “As patients embark on their journey to recovery, any interruption in physical therapy can be damaging to a patient’s long-term recovery and health. I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to bridge those interruptions and allow physical therapists and patients the flexibility that benefits the provider and the patient.”

This legislation is endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. 

The bill text is available here.