Delegate Heather Bagnell told the Health and Government Operations Committee that House Bill 3 is a ‘‘simple modernization’’ of the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners that clarifies who is a licensed physical therapist assistant, adds an assistant to the board and shifts the default method of communication to email.

The bill would expand board membership by one seat that must be filled by a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA). Lori Kendall Ellis, speaking for the board, said the change would improve workforce representation: the board’s present membership balance is roughly five therapists to one assistant and the requested change would move the ratio nearer to the workforce mix, which the board characterized as about 75% physical therapists and 25% physical therapist assistants.

Proponents said moving license renewal notices to electronic delivery (email unless otherwise requested) would reduce cost and improve timeliness; the board reported a 99% open rate when it already sends emails to licensees. The board also emphasized the change would have minimal fiscal impact because the board is self-funded and that savings from electronic communications would offset any added member expense.

No opposition was raised during the committee hearing; the bill sponsor and board representatives fielded no substantive questions and the hearing concluded.

Provenance: Delegate Heather Bagnell introduced House Bill 3 at the start of the item (block beginning 1312.52) and board testimony and questions occurred in the block range beginning 1431.385 through the close of the item at 1554.645.