# Plain Language Summary: Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025

## What This Bill Does

This bill allows physical therapists to use "locum tenens" arrangements under Medicare. In simple terms, a locum tenens is a temporary substitute provider—similar to a substitute teacher. This change would let physical therapy clinics bring in temporary licensed physical therapists to cover for their regular staff when they're unavailable (due to vacation, illness, training, etc.), without interrupting patient care or losing Medicare reimbursement.

## Who Benefits

**Physical therapy patients and providers** would be the main beneficiaries. Patients would experience fewer treatment interruptions and cancellations when their regular therapist is unavailable. **Physical therapy clinics and practices** would gain flexibility in staffing and could maintain continuous service to Medicare patients. The bill would also help address potential staffing shortages in physical therapy services.

## Key Changes

The bill amends Medicare rules (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to add physical therapists to the list of healthcare providers already permitted to use temporary substitute arrangements. Currently, physicians and certain other providers can use locum tenens arrangements, but physical therapists cannot. This change would apply the same rules to physical therapists that already exist for doctors, making the system more consistent and practical for managing temporary staffing needs.

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025

Luján, Ben Ray

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025This bill allows a physical therapist to receive payment under Medicare for services provided to the physical therapist's patients by another physical therapist through a qualifying temporary arrangement, regardless of the geographic area or population served. Currently, physical therapists may only receive payment with respect to such arrangements for services provided in medically underserved, rural, or health professional shortage areas.