Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026
Summary
The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026 would expand federal support for physical therapy in two main ways: workforce recruitment and Medicare coverage. First, it would amend the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program so physical therapists can participate more directly, including by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify physical therapy shortage areas within existing health professional shortage areas and to direct loan repayment assistance there. The bill also authorizes an additional $15 million for physical therapist loan repayments.
Second, the bill would amend Medicare rules for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers to allow physical therapy services furnished by a physical therapist to be covered services, beginning January 1, 2027. In effect, the bill seeks to improve access to physical therapy in underserved communities while also strengthening recruitment and retention of physical therapists in shortage areas.
Impact
The bill would amend the Public Health Service Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It would broaden eligibility for National Health Service Corps loan repayment to include physical therapists, create a framework for identifying physical therapy-specific shortage areas, and add dedicated funding for those repayments. It would also expand the list of covered services in Medicare Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers to include physical therapy services, which could affect providers, patients, and federal reimbursement practices in rural and community health settings.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the overall sentiment appears supportive and policy-oriented, with the sponsors presenting the measure as a workforce and access improvement bill. The bipartisan sponsorship by Senators Heinrich and Rounds suggests cross-party interest in addressing physical therapist shortages and patient access, especially in underserved areas. No formal opposition or recorded vote is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy questions likely concern cost, implementation, and how shortage areas are defined and targeted. The bill directs HHS to collect and publish data and to consult provider organizations, which suggests attention to how physical therapy shortage areas will be identified and whether the targeting process will be administratively workable. Another possible point of contention is the added federal spending, including the $15 million authorization for loan repayment, and whether expanding Medicare-covered services in rural health clinics and FQHCs could increase program costs or require additional provider compliance. No specific objections are recorded in the provided context.
Includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and recreational therapists within the existing statutory staffing standards for nursing homes.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.