KentuckyHB 482026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to physical therapy.

Sponsored By: Amy Neighbors (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boards And CommissionsHealth And Medical ServicesLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsState Agencies

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Telehealth physical therapy: consent and privacy

If you get physical therapy by telehealth, your provider must get your informed consent. They must protect your medical privacy using board-approved processes that follow federal law. The board sets rules to prevent abuse, fraud, and fee-splitting and to allow telehealth for treatment and continuing education.

Stronger oversight, reporting, and help for PTs

After notice and a hearing, the board can refuse, suspend, revoke, limit, or condition a license. Grounds include substance abuse, poor care, sexual misconduct, fraud, some convictions, and blocking investigations. PTs, PTAs, and employers must report certain crimes, fraud, negligence, and unlicensed practice. The board can fine violators, require payment of investigative and legal costs, and seek court orders; each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The law also creates a confidential program to help impaired practitioners, funded by a fee at license renewal.

Licensing and renewal rules for physical therapists and assistants

You must have an active Kentucky license or a compact privilege to practice or call yourself a physical therapist or assistant. To get licensed, you must finish an accredited program; the board may charge a nonrefundable application fee. A provisional license is allowed while you wait for exam results, but it can be withdrawn if you fail or gave false information. Licenses renew every two years by March 31 of odd-numbered years; missing the deadline makes the license lapse. Lapsed under three years can be reinstated by paying renewal and a reinstatement fee; after three years you must prove current competence and may face extra steps. The law also defines key terms, like “physical therapy” and “provisional license,” that guide how these rules apply.

Out-of-state and foreign-trained licensing and background checks

If you hold a valid, clean license from another state, the board issues you a Kentucky license. If you trained outside the U.S., you must show your education is equivalent, pass exams, show English ability when needed, and complete 3 to 6 months of supervised practice (three months may count from a comparable state). You must also have legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. and complete prescreening and credential reviews. All applicants must complete state and national fingerprint background checks; the board cannot share your criminal history with private groups or other boards, and you only pay the agencies’ actual processing costs.

New state board sets PT rules and fees

The law creates a seven-member Board of Physical Therapy appointed by the Governor. The board sets licensure and practice rules, investigates complaints, brings legal actions, and must meet at least quarterly. It may set fees needed to run the program. All fees and board revenues go into a dedicated state fund that pays the board’s costs and does not lapse to the general fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Amy Neighbors
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026