Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025
Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to expand access to physical therapy services by integrating physical therapists into federal health programs. Specifically, it would add physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps (a federal program that places healthcare professionals in underserved areas), designate certain regions as priority areas for physical therapist placement, and allow rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to bill Medicare for physical therapy services. The bill also provides additional funding for loan repayment programs to incentivize physical therapists to work in underserved communities. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily benefits patients in rural and underserved areas who may have limited access to physical therapy, as well as physical therapists considering careers in these regions.
Medicare beneficiaries could also benefit from expanded physical therapy coverage. Healthcare providers in rural and federally qualified health centers would gain new service options. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, having been introduced by Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colorado) in the 119th Congress. It has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025This bill expands certain health professional programs and Medicare covered services to include physical therapists.Specifically, the bill expands the National Health Service Corps to include physical therapists and provides for the designation of specific health professional target areas for physical therapists under the program. The bill also expands covered services of rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers under Medicare to include physical therapy services.The bill increases funds for FY2025 for the corps and requires a certain amount of funds to be used for student loan repayments for participating physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.