DelawarePhysical therapists would have up to 90 days to treat without referrals
Once it takes effect, the measure would let physical therapists treat patients without referrals for up to 90 days before consulting a physician.
What it does
Once the measure takes effect, physical therapists may treat patients without referrals for up to 90 days before consulting a physician. They must refer symptoms beyond their knowledge to another health professional.
Physical therapists and athletic trainers must renew their licenses every two years, pay a fee, and confirm they completed required education. The board must set a late renewal window of no more than one year.
Physical therapists and athletic trainers may keep a license inactive for no more than five years. To reactivate it, they must apply, pay a fee, and prove they completed required education.
Argument forThe 90-day window could help patients continue physical therapy before a physician consultation becomes necessary.
Argument againstSome patients might wait up to 90 days for a physician's input while receiving treatment without a referral.
More detail
A licensed physical therapist may treat a patient without a referral before consulting a physician. This covers licensed physical therapists and their patients in Delaware. The therapist must refer a patient to another health professional if the patient's symptoms need treatment beyond the therapist's knowledge. A physician must be consulted after the therapist has treated the patient without a referral for up to 90 days.
License holders must renew their licenses every two years. This covers licensed physical therapists and athletic trainers. Renewal requires a fee and a statement that the license holder completed the required continuing education. The board must set a period of no more than one year after the renewal date for late renewals.
A license holder may enter inactive status and request reactivation. This covers licensed physical therapists and athletic trainers. Reactivation requires a request, a fee, and proof of required continuing education. Inactive status may last no more than five years.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 23Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- Mar 26Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENTPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- 2025
- Jun 26Reported Out of Committee (Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)) in House with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- May 8Assigned to Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee in HouseMinor
- May 7Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YESPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- May 6Reported Out of Committee (Legislative Oversight & Sunset) in Senate with 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- Apr 16Introduced and Assigned to Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee in SenateIntroduced
Healthcare