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Committee approves physical therapy licensure compact to ease cross-state practice
Summary
The committee voted to advance legislation joining the interstate physical therapy licensure compact, a measure the sponsor said would ease administrative burdens and expand options for therapists, particularly in smaller communities.
The Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted Monday to advance Senate File 172, a bill to adopt the physical therapy licensure compact and related conforming amendments.
Sponsor Senator Ryan Bonner said the compact—already in force among 38 states—allows a licensed physical therapist in a compact state to practice in other member states with a simplified process and modest fee. "This is one way to ease the administrative burden and provide more options for those working in this space," Bonner said, adding the compact can also facilitate telehealth practice across member states.
The bill incorporates the multi-state compact text (about 49 pages in the draft) and accompanying conforming statutory changes. The measure sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, in its language.
Supporters told the committee the compact could help small and rural communities recruit practitioners and reduce licensing delays when therapists move between states. Chelsea Cortez, administrator for the state physical therapy board, said the board had not taken a formal position but was available to answer questions. "If you have any questions for the board, I'm happy to try and answer them," Cortez said.
Committee members discussed possible downsides such as increased competition and telehealth practice from out of state; the sponsor and witnesses characterized those concerns as limited in practice based on experiences in other states. Senator Scott noted the compact would make it easier for therapists who move for family or work reasons to maintain licensure across member states; Bonner said the process is usually brief and low-cost ("about 10 minutes on the website" and a $100–$200 fee, as discussed in committee).
Senate File 172 passed on a roll call with three ayes and two excused (Senators Hutchings, Scott and Chairman Barlow voting yes; Senators Crum and Steinmetz excused). The sponsor and board staff said they will provide any requested follow-up information to the committee staff.
Votes at a glance: Senate File 172 (Physical Therapy Licensure Compact) — advanced; roll call: 3 ayes, 2 excused.
