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, for powers and duties of board, for continuing education and for practice of physical therapy.

SB 197 amends Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to create a "certificate of authorization" allowing licensed physical therapists to practice without a doctor's referral. To qualify, therapists must pass an exam on evaluative procedures, have two years of continuous practice, and maintain $1 million in professional liability insurance. This applies only to therapists meeting these specific requirements, not all physical therapists. The bill also updates continuing education rules, requiring 30 hours every two years (excluding office management courses) for license renewal.