Louisiana House approves changes to physical therapist assistant supervision rules

In the bustling halls of the Louisiana State Capitol, lawmakers gathered on March 31, 2025, to discuss a bill that could reshape the landscape of physical therapy in the state. House Bill 159, introduced by Representative Stagni, aims to amend existing regulations governing the practice of physical therapist assistants, a move that has sparked both interest and concern among healthcare professionals.

At the heart of House Bill 159 is a proposal to adjust the supervisory framework for physical therapist assistants. Currently, physical therapists are limited in the number of assistants and unlicensed personnel they can supervise, with a cap of four assistants and two unlicensed aides. The new bill seeks to increase this limit, allowing therapists to supervise up to eight assistants and five unlicensed personnel. Proponents argue that this change will enhance efficiency in therapy practices, enabling therapists to manage larger caseloads and provide more comprehensive care.

However, the bill does not stop there. It also proposes significant changes to the accessibility and oversight of patient care. Under current law, physical therapists must be readily accessible via beepers or telephones. The new legislation shifts this requirement to telecommunication, reflecting the growing reliance on digital communication in healthcare. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for documented conferences between therapists and assistants regarding patient care, as well as the mandate for therapists to conduct patient reassessments every sixth treatment day. Instead, it proposes a reassessment every 30 days, a change that has raised eyebrows among some healthcare advocates who worry about the potential impact on patient outcomes.

The bill's supporters argue that these adjustments will streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens on therapists, allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork. However, critics caution that loosening these supervisory requirements could compromise the quality of care, particularly for patients who may require more frequent evaluations and direct oversight.

As the debate unfolds, the implications of House Bill 159 extend beyond the walls of the Capitol. If passed, the bill could set a precedent for how physical therapy is practiced in Louisiana, potentially influencing similar legislative efforts in other states. Experts in the field are divided; some see the potential for improved efficiency, while others fear that the changes may lead to a decline in care quality.

As lawmakers prepare for further discussions, the future of House Bill 159 remains uncertain. Will it pave the way for a more flexible and efficient healthcare system, or will it risk the integrity of patient care? Only time will tell as this pivotal legislation moves through the legislative process.