Locum tenens, meaning “to hold the place of or substitute,” allows eligible providers to bring in a qualified replacement during a temporary absence for illness, pregnancy, vacation, or continuing education. Currently, locum tenens for physical therapists is only allowed in federally designated rural and underserved areas. This limitation prohibits many PTs in private practice from taking needed leave without continuity of care for their patients.

H.R. 1517 would expand it to all areas, ensuring uninterrupted patient care and preventing regression while allowing physical therapists flexibility.

We encourage you to share your personal story about why locum tenens would help you and your patients. Your lawmakers want to know how this would affect their local area, so sharing your experience will make your message stronger.

Please contact your representative and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1517 so all physical therapists in private practice can provide continuous care to their Medicare beneficiaries.