MEDPAC STUDY ON DIRECT ACCESS TO PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES.

SEC. 647. MEDPAC STUDY ON DIRECT ACCESS TO PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES.(a) Study.—The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (in this section referred to as the “Commission”) shall conduct a study 117 STAT. 2327 on the feasibility and advisability of allowing medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries direct access to outpatient physical therapy services and physical therapy services furnished as comprehensive rehabilitation facility services.(b) Report.—Not later than January 1, 2005, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a) together with recommendations for such legislation or administrative action as the Commission determines to be appropriate.(c) Direct Access Defined.—The term “direct access” means, with respect to outpatient physical therapy services and physical therapy services furnished as comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility services, coverage of and payment for such services in accordance with the provisions of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, except that sections 1835(a)(2), 1861(p), and 1861(cc) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a)(2), 1395x(p), and 1395x(cc), respectively) shall be applied—(1) without regard to any requirement that—(A) an individual be under the care of (or referred by) a physician; or(B) services be provided under the supervision of a physician; and(2) by allowing a physician or a qualified physical therapist to satisfy any requirement for—(A) certification and recertification; and(B) establishment and periodic review of a plan of care.