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Committee hears testimony on bill to let Michiganders see physical therapists without a prior physician referral
Summary
Witnesses told the House Health Policy Committee that Senate Bill 144 would modernize physical therapy access by allowing direct access, citing safety data and potential cost savings while retaining safeguards; committee members asked about insurer reimbursement and scope protections for other providers.
The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 144, a measure to allow direct access to licensed physical therapists without a required prior physician referral.
Brian Gilbert, president of the American Physical Therapy Association of Michigan, told the committee the bill “modernizes access to physical therapy” and would remove duplicative restrictions that can discourage providers from offering care. He said hospitals and crisis units already operate under oversight and inspections, and the bill would exempt certain facilities from a separate substance-use disorder license without reducing standards of care.
Michael Shoemaker, a practicing physical therapist and professor, cited evidence he said came from 11 studies covering nearly 4.3 million patients and said the research “has demonstrated a clear and consistent cost savings when patients go to see the physical therapist directly.” Shoemaker also described provisions in SB144 that he said strengthen safeguards and require consultation or notification to the medical team within days if a patient’s condition declines or treatment extends beyond specified timelines.
Senator Santana, introduced to the committee by the chair, urged lawmakers to back the measure as a way to reduce delays and improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas.
During questions, Representative Bierlein asked whether insurers typically begin reimbursing for visits without referrals once direct access is permitted. Brian Gilbert replied that “the simple answer to that is yes,” noting that several plans currently cover some direct-access visits and that insurers can choose how to implement coverage. Representative Carter asked whether the bill would inadvertently limit chiropractic scope; Shoemaker answered that SB144 does not impose restrictions on other licensed providers.
The committee did not take a vote on SB144 during the session. Witnesses said the bill is not a payment mandate and that insurers retain discretion over coverage. Committee members requested follow-up information about implementation details and wait-time data.
The committee moved on to a series of roll-call votes after closing the SB144 testimony.
