Committee advances bill allowing physical therapists to certify initial temporary disability placards

A legislative committee reported House Bill 3,842 favorably after approving two amendments that reflect stakeholder agreement and a request from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mr. Hogan told the committee that orthopedists and physical therapists negotiated the primary language, which the materials present as: “A physical therapist may certify that an individual has a temporary disability.” He said the language applies to initial applications for temporary disability placards and expressly prohibits physical therapists from certifying renewals of temporary placards.

Mr. Hogan also said the DMV asked that the statutory code (Title 56) be amended to reference these changes because handicap placards are administered by DMV. The committee received two amendment documents: the stakeholder-negotiated language and the DMV-requested statutory reference.

The chair moved and seconded favorable reports on both amendments and on the bill as amended. With no discussion recorded, the committee approved both amendments and reported the bill out favorably by voice vote. The transcript records voice approvals—members responded 'aye'—but does not provide a roll-call tally.

The approved language would permit physical therapists to certify an initial temporary disability placard, subject to the restriction that they may not certify renewals; the DMV requested a statutory cross-reference to ensure the change is reflected in Title 56. The committee did not record individual roll-call vote counts.