HB2583 amends Arizona law governing physical therapy to allow physical therapists to order musculoskeletal imaging consisting of plain film radiographs, subject to specified conditions. The bill requires the imaging to be performed by an authorized health care practitioner and interpreted by a physician licensed in Arizona and trained in radiology interpretation. It also requires the physical therapist to report imaging results to the patient’s health care practitioner of record, or the referring practitioner if one is designated, within seven days of receiving the results.
The bill further limits this authority to situations where the physical therapist has an established physical therapist-patient relationship and there is a clinical need for the imaging order. If the patient does not have a health care practitioner of record, the physical therapist must refer the patient to an appropriate practitioner when there is reason to believe the patient may need services beyond the physical therapist’s scope of practice. Although the bill title references laboratory tests, the enacted text provided here amends only the imaging statute.
Impact
HB2583 updates A.R.S. § 32-2041.01 and expands the scope of practice for physical therapists by expressly authorizing them to order certain diagnostic imaging. It adds procedural safeguards around who may perform and interpret the imaging, mandates communication of results to other treating providers, and preserves referral obligations when symptoms suggest care outside physical therapy. The bill affects physical therapists, patients receiving musculoskeletal care, imaging providers, and physicians who interpret radiographs.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have generally favorable legislative support, passing both chambers with clear majorities. Committee and floor votes show more support than opposition, though not unanimous, suggesting the measure was broadly accepted but still drew some concern. The absence of transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote pattern indicates the bill was viewed as a targeted practice-expansion measure rather than a major policy controversy.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the expansion of physical therapists’ authority to order diagnostic imaging and the extent to which that authority should be limited by clinical need, referral requirements, and physician interpretation. Opponents likely focused on scope-of-practice concerns, patient safety, and whether imaging ordering should remain primarily under physician control, while supporters likely emphasized efficiency, access to care, and streamlined treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. The bill’s title also mentions laboratory tests, but the text provided does not amend laboratory-test authority, which could create confusion about the bill’s intended reach.