In response to ongoing workforce shortages and to help reduce potentially unnecessary administrative burdens on licensees, the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation—now enacted as Act No. 65 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. 

Key Changes to the Louisiana Physical Therapy Practice Act: 

 

Supervision Limits Increased
PTs may now supervise up to six supportive personnel per treatment day. Previously, the law allowed supervision of five individuals, with specific limits (e.g., only four could be PTAs or techs in any combination). 

Elimination of Required Patient Care Conferences
Documented conferences between PTs and PTAs regarding patient care are no longer required. Previously required every sixth treatment day or every 30 days, whichever came first. 

Patient Reassessment Timeframe Extended
PTs are now required to treat and reassess patients every 12th treatment day or every 30 days, whichever occurs first. This is a change from the prior requirement of every 6th treatment day or every 30 days. 

Discharge Summary Documentation Requirement Repealed
PTs are no longer required to complete and sign a discharge summary, further reducing administrative tasks.  Previously PTs were required to create and sign the discharge summary for each patient.

 

What You Need to Know:

 

Effective Date of Law Changes:  These changes will take effect August 1, 2025.

Rules Impacted by Law Changes: The Board is currently revising its administrative rules through the Emergency Rulemaking Process to align with the law changes. The updated rules are expected to be effective on or before August 1, 2025, to coincide with the effective date of the law changes.

Other Impacts of Law Changes: These law and rule changes only affect the Louisiana Physical Therapy Practice Act. Other regulations may continue to impose strict standards, for example:

  • Home Health: Providers must still comply with the Minimum Standards for Home Health issued by the Louisiana Department of Health.
  • Payment Providers: Payment providers may have additional or more restrictive supervision or documentation requirements in order to be reimbursed for services.
  • Employer Policies: Individual facilities or employers may enforce more stringent policies than those required by the Practice Act.