The Physical Therapy (PT) Practice Act of Alabama was first enacted in 1965. The current version is dated 1975. While modifications to the act have been implemented since that time, the legislation is in need of significant modification to reflect contemporary physical therapy practice. Currently there are approximately 1500 physical therapists and 1500 physical therapist assistants licensed in Alabama. The state has three entry-level physical therapist educational programs accredited to award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and six physical therapist assistant educational programs housed at community colleges throughout Alabama. While qualified providers are available throughout the state.

Patient access to PT services is challenged by the requirement of a referral by another health care professional resulting in delayed or no PT care at all for patients with movement dysfunction.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 100% of the counties in Alabama are underserved for physical therapist services.  Research also shows that the requirement of a referral for PT services leads to increased health care costs and diminished patient outcomes.  

States that do not require a referral for physical therapy services provide for a more attractive working environment for physical therapy practitioners. This could lead to further shortages of PT services as 48 states plus the District of Columbia allow for some form of  direct access to physical therapists; including all of the states surrounding Alabama.  To resolve the problem, the Alabama Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (ALAPTA) is introducing the Patient Interest and Access Act (PIAA) of 2012. 

The PIAA will omit the referral requirement for accessing physical therapist services in Alabama. Alabama is one of only two states that currently significantly restrict patient access to PT services. Allowing for better access will improve patient outcomes by allowing services to be provided sooner by reducing healthcare costs and improving efficiency. 

For more information about PIAA, please visit www.accessptalabama.com