Permits physical therapists to continue to order diagnostic imaging as an authorized practice of physical therapy beyond December 31, 2025.
Summary
S0198 extends Rhode Island’s current authorization for licensed physical therapists to order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or other imaging studies, as part of physical therapy practice. Under existing law, that authority was set to expire on December 31, 2025 unless the General Assembly acted to extend it. The bill removes the sunset by allowing physical therapists to continue ordering diagnostic imaging beyond that date.
The bill also retains the existing requirement that any diagnostic imaging ordered by a physical therapist be reported to the patient’s designated primary care physician within seven days after the results are received, unless the patient does not have a primary care physician. The measure takes effect upon passage and is framed as a continuation of an existing practice rather than a new expansion of scope.
Impact
This bill amends § 5-40-23 of the Rhode Island General Laws governing physical therapists by eliminating the sunset on their authority to order diagnostic imaging. As a result, physical therapists would remain authorized to order imaging tests as part of their practice after December 31, 2025, subject to the existing reporting requirement to a primary care physician. The bill affects physical therapists, patients receiving musculoskeletal or rehabilitation care, and healthcare providers involved in interpreting imaging and coordinating follow-up care.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong, bipartisan support for the bill, with unanimous passage in both chambers recorded in the provided votes. No committee transcripts were provided, but the absence of recorded opposition and the unanimous votes suggest the measure was viewed as a routine continuation of an existing professional practice authority rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. The only potentially sensitive issue is the scope of practice for physical therapists—particularly whether they should continue to have authority to order diagnostic imaging and how that authority interacts with primary care oversight—but the bill’s unanimous passage indicates no significant opposition was recorded in the votes provided.