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Panel backs SB 196 to clarify direct access and insurer billing for physical therapists
Summary
Committee approved the second substitute to SB 196, clarifying that the bill does not expand physical therapists— scope of practice and aims to remove payer barriers to direct access and billing clarity.
The Senate Business and Labor Committee unanimously approved the second substitute to Senate Bill 196, described by sponsor Senator Musselman as a technical and clarifying update to physical therapist practice law.
Senator Musselman told the committee the substitute "does not, and I repeat, does not, create or open up the scope of practice as it pertains to physical therapists." He said the bill clarifies that physical therapists— existing "direct access" for neuromusculoskeletal care should be recognized by insurers so patients do not face higher deductibles or administrative redirection.
Physical therapists and clinicians testified in support. Chad Tenney, owner of Utah Physical Therapy, told the committee that "probably 75%" of commercial plans in his area do not require physician referrals and that Medicare practice is evolving; he said the bill would ease administrative friction for patients. Howard Quackenbush, a physical therapist in Delta, said in rural areas clinicians often triage patients directly and that clearer insurer treatment of direct access will speed care.
A family medicine physician, Dr. Sarah Woolsey of West Jordan, asked whether the bill—s use of the term "primary health care" would create confusion; Senator Musselman and supporters said the phrase is a term of art in the relevant part of code and that the measure is focused on payment and access, not on expanding licensing scope.
The committee adopted the substitute, then voted 6-0 to favorably recommend the second substitute to the full Senate.
