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6/17/2025
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Assembly approves bill to permanently allow physical therapists to authorize diagnostic images
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STATE HOUSE – Lawmakers today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo and Rep. David A. Bennett to permanently enable licensed physical therapists in Rhode Island to order diagnostic imaging.
The legislation (2025-S 0198, 2025-H 6060), which now heads to the governor’s desk, 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).
Said Representative Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston), “In the last four years while we’ve allowed this on a temporary basis, patients have benefited from a straighter path to the care they need. This is a good example of ways we can make it easier for Rhode Islanders to access health care, particularly in light of our shortage of primary care providers.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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