AB 2497: Physical therapists.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the Physical Therapy Practice Act, establishes the Physical Therapy Board of California to license and regulate physical therapists and the practice of physical therapy. A violation of the act is a crime. Existing law defines the terms “physical therapist,” “physical therapist assistant,” and “physical therapy” and sets forth the scope of practice of a physical therapist. Existing law authorizes only a licensed physical therapist to use the title “physical therapist” or the letters “P.T.” or any other words, letters, or figures indicating that the person is a licensed physical therapist. Existing law requires the board to define those doctoral degrees that are in a related health science for specified provisions of the Physical Therapy Practice Act. Existing law authorizes a licensed physical therapist who has received a doctoral degree in physical therapy or, after the adoption of the above-described definition by the board, a doctoral degree in a related health science to, among other things, use the initials “DPT,” “PhD,” or “EdD”, as applicable, in a written communication following the licensee’s name. Existing regulations define a physical therapy related health science for the purpose of the above-described authorization to include, among other things, biology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.

This bill, among other changes to the act, would redefine “physical therapy,” “physical therapist,” and “physical therapist assistant” for purposes of the act, as specified. The bill would, among other things, prohibit the use of any words, abbreviation, or insignia implying that physical therapy is provided unless those services are provided by or under the direction of a licensed physical therapist. The bill would delete the requirement on the board to define the doctoral degrees that are in a related health science described above and would update those provisions to, instead, specify that the doctoral degrees in a related health science are those specified by the board in regulation. The bill would additionally authorize a licensed physical therapist who has received a doctoral degree in physical therapy or a related health science to use the initials “DSc”, as applicable, following the licensee’s name.

This bill would delete existing requirements for the performance of tissue penetration by a physical therapist and instead would include within the practice of physical therapy the use of electrode needles to perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating and interpreting performance of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

Existing law prohibits a physical therapist from supervising more than 2 physical therapist assistants at one time and establishes conditions for the initiation of services by a physical therapist directly, including providing a specified notice, orally and in writing, to a patient that is signed by the patient.

This bill would increase the number of physical therapist assistants a physical therapist is authorized to supervise from 2 to 3. The bill would require a physical therapist to refer a patient to a physician and surgeon or other appropriately licensed health care provider when the situation or condition of the patient is beyond the scope of the education and training of the physical therapist. The bill would repeal the notice and other requirements for the provision of direct physical therapy treatment services.

Because the bill would expand the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 28, 2026Read third time. Refused passage. (Ayes 26. Noes 19. Page 5549.).
2. May 22, 2026Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading. (Page 5274.)
3. May 19, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
4. May 18, 2026Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
5. May 14, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 10. Noes 2.) (May 14).
6. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
7. April 23, 2026Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
8. April 22, 2026Read second time and amended.
9. April 21, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 8.) (April 21).
10. April 21, 2026Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.
11. April 20, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on B. & P. Read second time and amended.
12. April 16, 2026Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.