MMA Speaks Out on Scope of Practice Bills

March 12, 2026

Several scope of practice bills affecting physical therapists and advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) were heard before the Minnesota Legislature on March 11. 

Bills that would make changes to Minnesota’s physical therapy scope of practice statutes were heard in both House and Senate committees. HF 2689 (Reyer, DFL – Eagan) was heard in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee, and its companion bill, SF 3049 (Boldon, DFL – Rochester), was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. 

Specifically, the legislation would eliminate the current 90-day referral requirement for patients receiving physical therapy through direct access. Under current law, patients may begin physical therapy without a referral but must obtain an order or referral from a physician or other licensed clinician if treatment continues beyond 90 days. The bill would also expand the statutory definition of physical therapy to include “diagnosis other than medical diagnosis,” which raised concerns about potential confusion related to roles and responsibilities in patient care. 

The MMA submitted a letter of opposition to HF 2689/SF 3049 expressing concern that removing the 90-day referral safeguard could reduce an important checkpoint that ensures patients with persistent symptoms receive a broader medical evaluation when appropriate. MMA President Lisa Mattson, MD, testified in opposition to the bill during the committee hearing. HF 2689 and SF 3049 were both laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill. 

In addition, HF 1794 (Virnig, DFL – Eagan) was heard in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. This bill would remove the current requirement that newly licensed APRNs complete 2,080 hours of collaborative practice with a physician as part of their postgraduate practice.  

The MMA submitted a letter opposing the bill, emphasizing that the collaborative practice period provides structured mentorship, supports patient safety, and helps integrate APRNs into physician-led care teams. Mattson also testified in opposition to HF 1794. The committee voted to place the bill on the General Register. The Senate companion has not been heard in committee.