HB 1251 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), known as the Physical Therapy Practice Act, further providing for definitions and for practice of physical therapy.

HB 1251 amends the existing Physical Therapy Practice Act (1975) to update definitions and clarify the scope of physical therapy practice. It directly affects licensed physical therapists and the state licensing board by modifying how practice standards are defined and applied. The bill focuses on revising specific terms and practice rules within the current legal framework, without specifying new restrictions or expansions. As a practice act amendment, it aims to ensure the law aligns with current professional standards and operational needs. (Note: Specific provisions are not detailed in the provided context.)
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Dec 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Sep 10, 2025 Signed May 6, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN2296 Printer's No. PN2533 · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill text was updated to reflect the version passed by the House Committee on Professional Licensure, adding new definitions for 'Physician Assistant' and 'Midwife' to the Physical Therapy Practice Act. This update clarifies which licensed professionals can refer patients to physical therapists, expanding the scope of eligible referring providers beyond just physicians and nurse practitioners. The version number was also updated to indicate the bill has been amended and reported from committee.
Scope change
The bill's scope of applicability was expanded to include licensed physician assistants and midwives as authorized referring providers for physical therapy services.
DEFINITION

Added a definition for 'Midwife' to mean an individual licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1985.

Modified the definition of 'Physician Assistant' to explicitly include individuals licensed under the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act or the Medical Practice Act of 1985.

ELIGIBILITY

Updated the bill header and committee referral information to reflect the amended version reported on October 28, 2025, with additional sponsors (Green and Samuelson) added.

TECHNICAL

Updated the printer's number from 2296 to 2533 to track the legislative history of the amended bill.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 22, 2026 · House Dec 17, 2025

How they voted

452
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 50
Apr 22, 2026
D Democratic23
21 Yea 2
91% Yea
R Republican27
24 Yea 2 Nay 1
88% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
7
Committee
7
Amendments
1
May 6, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor
upper
Apr 22, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Re-reported as committed
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
upper
Apr 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Dec 29, 2025
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
upper
Dec 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
lower
Dec 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Dec 16, 2025
Committee
Re-committed to Appropriations
lower
Oct 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Sep 10, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 19 co-sponsors

Sponsors