HB 3824 (2025): Changes to Physical Therapy Scope of Practice
Applications for Main Workgroup due September 1.
Status Update: August 25, 2026
On August 19th, the Board sent an email soliciting applicants for the Main Workgroup that will address all sections of HB 3824 other than section 5 pertaining to Dry Needling. Individuals interested in being a member of the Main Workgroup, were encouraged to apply by September 1st. The Main Workgroup will be formed by September 11th and will hold their first meeting on October 1st, 2026.
OBPT will form a separate workgroup in consultation with the Oregon Medical Board for the Dry Needling section of HB 3824. While the Dry Needling Workgroup will not be formed at this time, interested parties can email rules.info@obpt.oregon.govto be on the list to receive updates and notice of request for applicants for the Dry Needling Workgroup’s formation. That request is expected to go out in November 2026 and the Dry Needling Workgroup expected to begin in February 2027. This timing allows for the Board to meet the Governor’s explicit direction to prioritize rulemakings for all other sections of HB 3824. Updates about the overall HB 3824 administrative rule making process will also be sent to this list.
OBPT is maintaining a workplan timeline for HB3824 rulemaking up through July 1, 2027.
About HB3824
HB 3824 was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2025. When it goes into effect on July 1, 2027, it makes changes to what physical therapists are allowed to do under Oregon law.
HB3824 allows the Board to take actions before the 2027 effective date, including creating new rules and policies to match the new law. Section 2 through Section 22 establish 5 new statutes, change 15 statutes, and repeal 2 statutes. Taken together, Sections 2 through 22 result in rule changes necessary to all but 3 of OBPT’s rules.
IMPORTANT: Until July 1st, 2027, when HB3824 goes into effect, Physical Therapists may not implement any of the new scope of practice areas, such as ordering imaging (Section 19 of HB3824), performing dry needling (Section 5 of HB3824), or any other new function. Until July 1st, 2027, all current rules and statutes remain in effect.
Key documents