Pennsylvania HB 2364: An Act amending the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), known as the Physical Therapy Practice Act, further providing for definitions, for training and license required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3145
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2364
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY RIVERA, SCHLEGEL, KHAN, CUTLER, HILL-EVANS,
GUENST, HANBIDGE, PASHINSKI, NEILSON, SANCHEZ, BURGOS,
GALLAGHER, MERSKI, PARKER, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ AND CURRY,
APRIL 7, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, APRIL 8, 2026
AN ACT
Amending the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), entitled
"An act relating to the practice of physical therapy,"
further providing for definitions, for training and license
required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant,
education and examination, scope of duties and certification.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definition of "physical therapy" in section 2
of the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), known as the
Physical Therapy Practice Act, is amended and the section is
amended by adding a definition to read:
Section 2. Definitions.--The following definitions shall
apply, when used in this act, unless otherwise expressed
therein:
* * *
"Dry needling" shall mean a physical intervention that uses a
filiform needle to stimulate trigger points and diagnose and
treat neuromuscular pain and functional movement deficits. The
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term does not include the stimulation of auricular or any other
points based upon areas of oriental medicine or the practice of
acupuncture under the act of February 14, 1986 (P.L.2, No.2),
known as the "Acupuncture Licensure Act."
* * *
"Physical therapy" means any of the following:
(1) The evaluation, examination and testing of individuals
with mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments,
functional limitations and disabilities, other health-related or
movement-related conditions, performed to determine a diagnosis,
prognosis and plan of treatment intervention within the scope of
this act or to assess the ongoing effects of intervention.
(2) The performance of tests and measurements as an aid in
diagnosis or evaluation of function and the treatment of the
individual through the utilization of the effective properties
of physical measures such as mechanical stimulation, dry
needling, heat, cold, light, air, water, electricity, sound,
massage or mobilization-manual therapy.
(3) The use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative
procedures, including training in functional activities, with or
without the utilization of assistive devices, for the purpose of
limiting or preventing disability and alleviating or correcting
any physical or mental conditions.
(4) Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional
limitation and disability, including the promotion and
maintenance of fitness, health and wellness in populations of
all ages as well as engaging in administration, consultation,
education and research.
* * *
Section 2. Section 4 of the act is amended by adding a
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subsection to read:
Section 4. Training and License Required; Exceptions.--* * *
(a.1) A licensed physical therapist may only perform dry
needling upon the successful completion of a dry needling
certification program approved by the board.
* * *
Section 3. Section 9.1(c) introductory paragraph of the act
is amended to read:
Section 9.1. Physical Therapist Assistant; Education and
Examination; Scope of Duties; Certification.--* * *
(c) A physical therapist assistant while assisting a
licensed physical therapist in the practice of physical therapy
shall only perform patient-related physical therapy acts and
services that are assigned or delegated by and under the
supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Such acts and
services of a physical therapist assistant shall not include
evaluation, testing, dry needling, interpretation, planning or
modification of patient programs. For purposes of this section
the term "supervision" means as follows:
* * *
Section 4. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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