SB 453

This bill allows for X-rays to be ordered by physical therapists who satisfy

certain criteria.

Under current law, X-rays may generally only be performed if authorized

pursuant to a prescription or order issued by one of several types of licensed medical

professionals specified under current law. This bill adds licensed physical therapists

to this list of licensed medical professionals authorized to prescribe or order the use

of diagnostic X-ray equipment. The bill provides, however, that a licensed physical

therapist may only order X-rays if the physical therapist satisfies one of certain

conditions specified in the bill. In addition, the bill provides that the physical

therapist must, when ordering X-rays, communicate with the patient's primary care

physician or an appropriate health care provider to ensure coordination of care,

unless certain criteria that are specified in the bill apply.