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HB26-1231 Physical Therapists Perform Physicals

Legislation that would allow physical therapists to independently perform and sign pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), has been proposed and assigned to the House Education Committee and will soon receive its first hearing.

The Colorado Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) is opposing this legislation due to its potential impact on student-athlete safety and the structured medical oversight currently in place within Colorado’s secondary school setting.

Pre-participation physical examinations are not simply administrative requirements; they serve as an important safeguard intended to identify risk factors, ensure appropriate medical clearance, and protect young athletes before they participate in sport. National medical authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), have published clear recommendations outlining best practices for PPEs, emphasizing comprehensive medical evaluation, continuity of care, and physician-directed oversight. The CATA supports these evidence-based recommendations and believes Colorado policy should remain aligned with these established medical standards.

Any proposed change to the healthcare providers authorized to conduct and sign these examinations warrants careful consideration, particularly with respect to clinical accountability, diagnostic training, systemic disease screening, and the broader continuum of care that supports student health and safety.

Our position is not intended to diminish the important contributions of physical therapists within Colorado’s healthcare system. Rather, it reflects our responsibility as healthcare professionals and advocates to ensure that policies affecting student-athletes preserve established medical standards and prioritize patient protection.

The CATA has implemented an advocacy platform that allows members and community supporters to easily communicate directly with every member of the House Education Committee. With just a few moments of your time, you can send a professional message expressing concern about HB 26-1231. The system will generate a letter on your behalf, which you may personalize before it is delivered to legislators.

Thoughtful communication from healthcare providers, educators, students, parents, and community members carries significant weight—especially when it centers on student

 

We are asking our members to contact members of the 
House Education Committee in opposition to HB26-1231

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Please start with Representative Meghan Lukens  meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov who serves as Committee Chair and is the bill’s primary sponsor.

Below you will find a template letter to assist you. We strongly encourage you to personalize your message so it reflects your voice and experience, please feel free to make your letters your own as you deem appropriate!  After contacting Representative Lukens, please reach out to each member of the House Education Committee with the same request to oppose the bill.

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CLICK HERE FOR TEMPLATE LETTER TO SEND TO LEGISLATORS

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Below is the full list of House Education Committee members and their email addresses:
Meghan Lukens – meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov
Matthew Martinez – matthew.martinez.house@coleg.gov
Jennifer Bacon – jennifer.bacon.house@coleg.gov
Mary Bradfield – mary.bradfield.house@coleg.gov
Ava Flanell – ava.flanell.house@coleg.gov
Lori Garcia Sander – lori.garciasander.house@coleg.gov
Lindsay Gilchrist – lindsay.gilchrist.house@coleg.gov
Eliza Hamrick – eliza.hamrick.house@coleg.gov
Anthony Hartsook – anthony.hartsook.house@coleg.gov
Dusty Johnson – dustyforcolorado@gmail.com
Jacque Phillips – jacque.phillips.house@coleg.gov
Katie Stewart – katie.stewart.house@coleg.gov
Tammy Story – tammy.story.house@coleg.gov

 

The bill will appear before the House Education Committee on Wednesday March 4th - please make every effort to submit your letters in advance of the hearing.

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Thank you for your assistance and professional advocacy!