Connecticut Passes LegislationTo Ease Physical Therapy Access

Hartford — Patients in Connecticut who need physical therapist services can now go directly to their physical therapist without having to wait to receive a referral from a physician.

Connecticut is the 42nd state to pass “direct access” legislation that eliminates, under certain conditions, the physician referral requirement for patients needing physical therapist services. The bill, SB164, sponsored by the Joint Public Health Committee under the leadership of State Senator Christopher Murphy (D-Cheshire), was signed into law on May 2 by Governor M Jodi Rell. It will take effect on October 1, 2006.

“This bill is a thoughtful piece of legislation that was drafted with the help of many groups including the Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Chiropractic Association, the insurance industry, and input from the Public Health and Judiciary Committees with patient safety taking the highest priority,” said Peg Grey, PT, MA, ATC, president of the Connecticut Physical Therapy Association (CPTA). “Direct access to physical therapy services will allow the people of Connecticut improved access to physical therapy care.”

“The American Physical Therapy Association [APTA] applauds the state legislature for passing this important legislation to provide patients with direct access to physical therapist services,” said APTA President Ben F. Massey, Jr, PT, MA. “A mandated referral causes delays, and at times denies patients access to cost-effective physical therapy services. Connecticut’s new law will improve access and patient choice while maintaining quality and safety.”

CPTA includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students in the field of physical therapy. The goal of the association is to help meet the physical therapy needs of the people of Connecticut through the development and improvement of physical therapy education, practice, and research.

APTA is a national professional organization based in Arlington, Va., representing more than 65,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.