Blog
Celebrating Our Legislative Success - SB 1253 Passes!
Dear APTA Virginia Members and Advocates,
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect and advance the physical therapy profession. We are proud to share that Senate Bill 1253 has successfully passed both the Virginia Senate and House! This legislative achievement represents a critical update to professional title regulations.
As of 3/21/2025 SB1253 was approved by the governor and will take effect on 7/1/2025.
- It adds "D.P.T." and "Doctor of Physical Therapy" to the list of titles that cannot be used without proper licensing.
- It removes "P.T.T." and "Physical Therapy Technician" from the regulated titles.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals who made this possible:
- Senator Lamont Bagby, the bill's chief patron
- Ken Hutcheson, our dedicated lobbyist
- Tom Bohanon, Legislative Committee Chair
- Geoff Gunther, State Government Affairs representative
This legislative amendment exemplifies APTA Virginia's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our profession. By proactively addressing professional title usage, we demonstrate our ongoing dedication to advocacy, public safety, and professional standards.
Our success is a testament to the power of collective action and our unwavering commitment to advancing physical therapy in Virginia.
Thank you to all who contributed to this important achievement, including the many students and clinicians who participated in Lobby Day on January 15, and to the members who contacted their delegates and senators regarding this bill.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Hawkins PT, DPT, PhD
APTA Virginia President