APTA is advocating for a change in the rules governing Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to allow for direct access to physical therapist services. Specifically, CMS should revise the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for Critical Access Hospitals via rulemaking to allow licensed physical therapists to provide and order therapy services within their scope of practice without a prior physician order.   This change would support rural health care by reducing administrative burden and unnecessary paperwork, while allowing and improving timely access to care.

Action Needed Today

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient PPS proposed rule, which includes CAHs.  The proposed rule is currently open for public comment until June 9. The proposed rule is an opportunity for members to submit letters to CMS urging them to revise the CoPs for Critical Access Hospitals to allow for direct access.

Please take a few minutes to submit a comment letter to CMS urging them to revise the Conditions of Participation for CAHs to allow for direct access. It’s easy! The letter is already prepared for you, but please be sure to personalize it to add information about yourself and where you work. Deadline for comments is Tuesday, June 9.