House approves bill letting qualified physical therapists order MRIs and CT scans, 88-1

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 22-73 on April 1, 2025, expanding the diagnostic-imaging authority of physical therapists who meet specified education or certification requirements. The final vote was 88 in favor and 1 opposed.

Under the measure, physical therapists with appropriate doctoral-level education or a board-issued imaging certification may order diagnostic imaging beyond plain-film X-rays to include modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) when clinically appropriate. Representative Warrie, presenting the bill, said the change “will save patients the time and expense of returning to their primary physician to order imaging,” and that the expansion could be especially helpful for rural patients who otherwise must make additional trips to hospitals.

Committee testimony noted that all three physical therapy degree programs in North Dakota — the University of North Dakota, the University of Mary, and the University of Jamestown — are doctoral programs that prepare graduates for advanced practice. The bill requires that imaging results be forwarded to a patient’s designated specialty or primary care provider to assure coordination of care.

Outcome: The House passed SB 22-73, 88-1. Sponsors and committee members asked for a green vote, citing evidence from other states that allowing qualified physical therapists to order imaging can improve access and reduce unnecessary imaging.