TITLE VI--PROVISIONS RELATING TO PART B
Subtitle D--Additional Demonstrations, Studies, and Other Provisions
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 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.
