Yesterday, California Assembly Member Mary Hayashi pulled AB 783 from reconsideration by the Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development. If the bill had been voted down it would have been dead for the remainder of the session. However, by pulling the bill it can be brought back for a reconsideration vote on June 27 or anytime in 2012.
AB 783 would specifically add licensed PTs to the list of "healing arts practitioners" who may be employees of medical, chiropractic, and podiatric corporations.
In withdrawing AB 783, Hayashi indicated that she would sit down with representatives of the California Chapter, to see what can be worked out, reported NBC LA.
let this bill die. Why do physical therapist need to be employees of a chiropractor or podiatrist. the popi clinics are eroding the outpatient practice already. This will further erode our outpatient establishment and allow podiatrist and the other non-physican based practioners to capitalize on reimbursement dollars meant for physical therapist. Tehse enties will simply hire non-experienced new graduates,pay low salaries and profit for physical therapy reimbursement dollars. Physical therapist do not need to be employed by MDs, podiotrist, and especially not chiropractors. Whats next employemnt oppurtunites from nurse practioners or PA. The PT profession works in conjunction with the medical profession and entirely seperate from the sham practice of a chiropractor. Why isnt the apta blocking this?
Posted by michael zielinski dpt
on 6/22/2011 7:28 AM
To the above question from the previous commentor asking why APTA isn't blocking this - it sounds like the California APTA has done exactly that. In reading the LA NBC news story it sounds like the California PTS are doing a great job!
Posted by Jane
on 6/22/2011 9:58 AM
I completely agree with Michael. PT's do not need a title of "healing arts practioners".
Posted by Prachi Apte -> ALPb=J
on 6/22/2011 12:01 PM
While I would personally never work for a physician, chiropractor, or podiatrist. I take some issue with laws that state "you can't". Being a libertarian, I like less regulation and more of a free market. That is why I despise any law that prevents a physical therapist from practicing without referral, when there is no evidence that it is a detriment to society.
I hope everyone realizes that autonomous practice(Direct Access) solves most of these problems. Lets take control of this ourselves.
Direct Access all 50 states, followed by Medicare Reimbursement without physician referral make all these issue go away.
Posted by Ryan Grella, PT, DPT, OCS
on 6/22/2011 2:51 PM