Legislation signed into law last week in Colorado moves the physical therapy profession forward while ensuring public protection and direct access to physical therapists. Senate Bill 169, signed May 13 by Gov John Hickenlooper, is a major legislative achievement and the culmination of several years of advocacy work by the Colorado Chapter.

Senate Bill 169 reconfirms the unrestricted direct access of physical therapists (PTs) in Colorado. It also re-establishes an independent rule-promulgating physical therapy licensing board to replace the 7-member advisory committee currently operating under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. The new board will consist of 5 licensed PTs and 2 public members appointed by the governor. The newly created board will be responsible for drafting rules on continued competency of PTs and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).

The new law also authorizes the physical therapy board to certify PTAs and offers title protection for them for the first time in Colorado’s history. Additionally, SB 169 requires PTs to maintain professional liability insurance to practice in Colorado and expands the PT's scope of practice to include all components of wound care.

Read more about the new law at this link.

Colorado Chapter leaders witness Gov John Hickenlooper signing into law SB 169, which re-establishes an independent rule-promulgating physical therapy licensing board and calls for the regulation of physical therapist assistants.