IllinoisSB2153104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEHEALTH

Sponsored By: Cristina Castro (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentslicensed activitieshealth care licenses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

School and early intervention teletherapy rules

The Department can make rules to exempt school-based and early intervention physical therapy from these telehealth limits to reduce service delays, after consulting with DHS and the Department of Early Childhood. All services keep existing rights under special education and early intervention laws, including IDEA and state laws. These rules apply beginning January 1, 2025. This section repeals January 1, 2026.

Rules for when PT uses telehealth

A therapist may do the first evaluation by telehealth only if you have a referral or diagnosis, have an established relationship, or the therapist can arrange an in-person hands-on exam at any time. Without a referral or diagnosis, an initial telehealth exam is allowed only for a documented hardship like distance, disability, or severe weather. Telehealth as your main care is an exception and must be backed by clinical notes. Your therapist or assistant can require an in-person visit when needed. You can ask for an in-person visit at any time. Telehealth providers must be able to provide or refer you to in-person care in Illinois. These rules apply starting January 1, 2025. This section repeals January 1, 2026.

Telehealth physical therapy allowed in Illinois

The law lets licensed physical therapists and assistants provide care by telehealth. If you are in Illinois, your therapist or assistant must be licensed to practice in Illinois. Care must follow the Illinois Telehealth Act and the Insurance Code. Telehealth care must stay within each provider’s scope and meet in-person care standards. Telehealth does not allow services in places or ways that other laws forbid. Beginning January 1, 2025, these rules apply. This section repeals January 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cristina Castro
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar
Democratic • House
Lakesia Collins
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 268 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/31/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 3 Senate Concurs

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/30/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 3 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Licensed Activities;

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 5/29/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 112 • No: 0

House vote • 5/28/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 3 Recommends Be Adopted Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 54 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Licensed Activities;

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass Licensed Activities;