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6/3/2025
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Senate approves bill to permanently allow physical therapists to authorize diagnostic images
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna M. Gallo to permanently enable licensed physical therapists in Rhode Island to order diagnostic imaging.
The legislation (2025-S 0198) removes a sunset provision from a law that has, for the last four years, temporarily allowed physical therapists to order diagnostic imaging, making the provision permanent.
The bill better protects Rhode Islanders’ access to care at a time when the state faces a significant shortage of primary health care providers.
“Allowing physical therapists to order X-rays when they suspect a patient might have a fracture or a break better ensures that the patient actually gets the care they need. Before physical therapists had this authorization, the patient would need to go back to their PCP or a specialist to get an X-ray order. That extra step is an unnecessary hurdle, and it can be a roadblock for the many Rhode Islanders who can’t find a PCP right now,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick). “Allowing physical therapists to order X-rays has been an effective, safe step toward simplifying care, so this law should be adopted permanently.”
The bill now goes to the House, where Rep. David A. Bennett is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-H 6060). That bill is scheduled for consideration before the House Health and Human Services Committee later today.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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