Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee Debates Bill to Allow Eight Initial Physical/Occupational Therapy Visits Without Prior Authorization
Summary
Supporters say SB 480 would reduce delays, prevent downstream surgery and ease administrative burden by guaranteeing up to eight initial PT/OT visits before requiring further review; insurers warn mandated minimums could raise premiums and disrupt tailored utilization management.
Senate Bill 480, introduced in committee as a measure to reduce prior‑authorization barriers for physical and occupational therapy, prompted testimony from dozens of clinicians and insurers. Senator Sue Apprentice framed the bill as a cost‑saving, early‑intervention policy that “guarantees eight medically necessary treatments” before prior authorization, arguing that early therapy reduces risk of surgery, imaging and opioid prescriptions.
Physical‑therapy associations and…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
