SB 2169 North Dakota Senate · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 6 of section 43-26.1-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to physical therapy patient management.

SB 2169 requires physical therapists in North Dakota to communicate the overall treatment plan to patients and obtain their informed consent, or consent from a legally authorized representative. This law directly affects physical therapy patients and providers across the state by establishing a clear communication and consent standard. The key provision mandates that therapists explain care plans before treatment begins, ensuring patients understand their options. The bill became law after the Governor signed it on April 2, 2025. It focuses on patient autonomy in physical therapy care without altering other treatment protocols.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Jan 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Signed Apr 3, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

INTRODUCED Enrollment · 1 edit
MINOR
This bill enacts a single substantive change to North Dakota law requiring physical therapists to communicate the overall plan of care and obtain informed consent from patients or their legally authorized representatives. The change formalizes patient communication and consent requirements for physical therapy services.
Scope change
The bill applies to all physical therapists practicing in North Dakota under the North Dakota Century Code section 43-26.1-11.
REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for physical therapists to communicate the overall plan of care and obtain informed consent from patients or their legally authorized representatives.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 28, 2025 · House Mar 25, 2025

How they voted

470
Passed
Total votes 47
Jan 28, 2025
D Democratic5
5 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican42
42 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
8
Committee
5
Apr 4, 2025
Introduced
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03
legislature
Apr 3, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor 04/02
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 85 nays 4
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back, do pass, placed on consent calendar 9 0 4
lower
Mar 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 09:00
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee
lower
Jan 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
upper
Jan 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 5 0 1
upper
Jan 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 09:00
upper
Jan 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 09:00
upper
Jan 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors