Governor signs Graves bill to enhance patient care at physical therapy clinics
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Paul Graves to help physical therapists better meet patients' needs was signed into law by the governor Thursday.
Under current law, physical therapists are allowed to supervise two staff members who qualify as “assistive personnel,” such as licensed physical therapy assistants, physical therapy aides, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, and massage therapists.
House Bill 2446 will expand the number of assistive personnel physical therapists are allowed to supervise from two to three. The bill will also require physical therapists to perform a patient reevaluation either every fifth visit or every 30 days when care is exclusively provided by assistive personnel.
Graves says his bill will provide flexibility for the more than 4,500 physical therapists working in Washington state.
“Physical therapists do important work, which is why there is significant demand for their services,” said Graves, R-Fall City. “Providing them with the option of hiring additional assistive personnel will help them meet this demand and ensure patients receive the care they need.”
House Bill 2446 will go into effect later this year.
