H.R. 5621: Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025, aims to enhance the role and accessibility of physical therapy services in the United States. Below are the key provisions and changes proposed in the legislation:

1. Involvement of Physical Therapists in National Health Service Corps

The bill proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to include physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. This will allow physical therapists to participate in this program, which offers loan repayment to healthcare providers who work in underserved areas.

• The NHSC will identify specific areas where physical therapy services are needed and assign physical therapists to provide care in those locations.
• Physical therapists will be recognized as professionals who can provide primary health services, alongside mental health services.

2. Loan Repayment Program Inclusion

Physical therapists will be added as eligible professionals under the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. This means:

• Qualified physical therapists can receive assistance with student loan repayments if they serve in designated health professional shortage areas.
• The bill ensures that physical therapists meet the required qualifications to participate, including holding appropriate degrees in physical therapy.

3. Increased Funding for Loan Repayment

The legislation proposes to increase funding for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program from approximately $172.9 million to $187.9 million. Of this increased funding, at least $15 million will be specifically allocated for the repayment of loans for physical therapists participating in the program.

4. Expansion of Physical Therapy Services in Medicare

The bill seeks to expand the types of services covered by Medicare so that physical therapy services can be provided through Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Specifically:

• Physical therapy services provided by licensed physical therapists will be included in Medicare coverage from January 1, 2027.
• This change aims to improve access to physical therapy in rural and underserved areas, promoting better healthcare outcomes for patients.

5. Promoting Access to Care

The overarching goal of the bill is to improve patient access and healthcare outcomes, particularly for individuals in underserved areas of the United States. By integrating physical therapy into various health programs, Congress acknowledges the essential role of physical therapists in comprehensive healthcare, especially in managing chronic health conditions exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relevant Companies

• None found