Rhode Island General Laws 5-40-23. Ordering diagnostic imaging – Sunset
(a) Physical therapists licensed pursuant to § 5-40-7 may order diagnostic imaging as defined in § 5-40-1 to be performed and interpreted by other licensed healthcare professionals.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-40-23
- Diagnostic imaging: means techniques used to capture an image of a body part. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-40-1
- Physical therapist: means an individual who is licensed by the department to practice physical therapy. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-40-1
- Physical therapy: means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-40-1
(b) All diagnostic imaging tests ordered by a physical therapist shall be reported by the physical therapist to the patient’s designated primary care physician of record within seven (7) days following receipt of the results. This reporting shall not be required if the patient does not have a primary care physician.
(c) Managed healthcare plans shall provide a utilization report to the general assembly no later than September 1, 2022, and annually thereafter.
(d) Unless extended by the general assembly, physical therapists shall not be authorized to order diagnostic imaging as an authorized practice of physical therapy after December 31, 2025.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 207, § 2, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 327, § 2, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2023, ch. 47, § 1, effective June 12, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 48, § 1, effective June 12, 2023.