Bill number “S05663” pertains to allowing patients to receive certain treatment by an occupational therapist without a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for up to 30 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first. It also would require the OT to communicate with patients on what no referral would mean for insurance and both the therapist and patient would sign off on documentation that is proof there was communication.

In all 50 states within the U.S physical therapists have been warranted the ability to treat free of referral and it has helped patients who need care but would have had trouble receiving it in the past. This direct access care comes with many benefits such as more efficient care that is received at a much faster pace and even decreased costs.

Here is a link to more info on this bill: https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=s05663