New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11220

Introduced
5/1/26  

Caption

Changes the definition of continuous supervision in relation to physical therapist assistants in both the home care setting and school setting by eliminating the joint visit requirement with the patient by the supervising licensed physical therapist and the licensed physical therapist assistant.

Impact

If enacted, A11220 may affect the operational dynamics within the healthcare sector, particularly in how physical therapy services are offered. By allowing physical therapist assistants to operate with reduced immediate supervision, the bill aims to streamline service provision, which could lead to enhanced efficiency in treatment delivery. This change holds the potential to alleviate the administrative burden on licensed physical therapists while still ensuring quality patient care, provided that adequate training and supervision protocols remain in place.

Summary

Bill A11220 seeks to amend the education law regarding the supervision of physical therapist assistants in both home care and school settings. A significant change proposed by the bill is the elimination of the requirement for a joint visit between the supervising licensed physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant at the time services are provided. This adjustment intends to provide more flexibility in how services can be delivered, potentially increasing accessibility for patients in need of physical therapy.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention regarding the proposed amendments in bill A11220. Critics of the removal of the joint visit requirement could argue that it may compromise patient safety and the quality of care if not properly managed. Concerns may arise about whether physical therapist assistants can adequately handle patient evaluations and care plans without direct involvement from a licensed physical therapist, particularly in more complex cases. The debate may center on balancing the need for flexibility in service delivery with the assurance of maintaining high care standards.

Companion Bills

NY S09997

Same As Changes the definition of continuous supervision in relation to physical therapist assistants in both the home care setting and school setting by eliminating the joint visit requirement with the patient by the supervising licensed physical therapist and the licensed physical therapist assistant.

Previously Filed As

NY S09997

Changes the definition of continuous supervision in relation to physical therapist assistants in both the home care setting and school setting by eliminating the joint visit requirement with the patient by the supervising licensed physical therapist and the licensed physical therapist assistant.

NY SB110

Revise licensure and supervision requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

NY S08286

Includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and recreational therapists within the existing statutory staffing standards for nursing homes.

NY HB159

Provides relative to the supervision of physical therapist assistants

NY AB2497

Physical therapists.

NY HB1231

Physical Therapists Perform Sports Physicals

NY SB109

Revise workers' compensation definition of treating physician to include physical therapists

NY S04892

Provides that supervision by a licensed physical therapist of a physical therapist assistant shall be continuous but shall not require the physical presence of the licensed physical therapist at the time and place where services are being performed; requires a licensed physical therapist to be available for consultation with the physical therapist assistant or the patient within a reasonable amount of time.

NY A07832

Provides that supervision by a licensed physical therapist of a physical therapist assistant shall be continuous but shall not require the physical presence of the licensed physical therapist at the time and place where services are being performed; requires a licensed physical therapist to be available for consultation with the physical therapist assistant or the patient within a reasonable amount of time.

NY A00600

Includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and recreational therapists within the existing statutory staffing standards for nursing homes.

Similar Bills

LA HB159

Provides relative to the supervision of physical therapist assistants

OH HB253

License advanced practice respiratory therapists

SD SB110

Revise licensure and supervision requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

AZ HB2181

Physical therapy; durable medical equipment

CA AB1458

Physical therapy and veterinary medicine: animal physical therapy.

MA H2410

To improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

MA S1569

To improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

NY S09997

Changes the definition of continuous supervision in relation to physical therapist assistants in both the home care setting and school setting by eliminating the joint visit requirement with the patient by the supervising licensed physical therapist and the licensed physical therapist assistant.