Virgin Islanders will now have improved access to physical therapist (PT) services—and a much more effective physical therapy practice act—thanks to a new law signed by Governor John P. de Jongh Jr, on July 11.
The new law, Act No. 760, allows for direct access to evaluation and treatment by a PT without a physician’s referral, and includes changes to the licensing law that protect the term "physical therapy" as an activity that can only be engaged in by a PT, among other improvements.
Prior to the act's passage a physician referral was required for all PT services. The new law, which takes effect on October 9, 2014, allows for treatment without a referral for 45 days or 12 treatment visits.
"It’s been a long time coming, but consumers will now have greater access to quality health care provided by physical therapists," said Virgin Islands APTA member Jerry Smith, PT, DPT, ATC. "These changes could not have happened without the work of the physical therapy community here."
In addition to direct access, Act. No. 7620 also makes significant updates to the physical therapy practice act. Besides the protection of "physical therapy" as a term that can only describe the activities of PTs, the new law provides title protection for "DPT" and "doctor of physical therapy,” an updated definition for the practice of physical therapy, an expanded board of physical therapy, and revised qualifications for licensure.
"APTA commends the work of the dedicated physical therapists in the US Virgin Islands who worked for many years to bring about these legislative changes," said APTA President Paul Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS. "Improved patient access to PT services continues to be a high priority for the profession and APTA."
Earlier this year both Oklahoma and Michigan enacted direct access legislation. The new Oklahoma law goes into effect on November 1, and the Michigan law on January 1, 2015. All 50 states, DC, and now the US Virgin Islands have enacted laws allowing for direct access to evaluation and some level of treatment without a physician referral.
I totally respect you Jerry. I do want to point out that the deal the CPTA worked out was against the larger part of the membership. Our Association did so many things incorrectly, that our profession was steamrolled. It will not change with the CPTA in California. The only group that made a HUGE difference and cared enough to confront a horrible deal for Californian PT's was IPT. They are an awesome group of men and women who are not afraid of making waves. What the CPTA did will take 10 years to undo because they were very unschooled and were willing to listen to a Lobbyist that unfortunately has quite a poor reputation. We also had a first hand view of the dirtiness of politics in California. I would encourage the other States to NOT FOLLOW THE LEAD OF CALIFORNIA, because it was not the correct way, nor is it a good DIRECT ACCESS LAW.
Presently we have direct access for 12 visits or 45 days. We cannot legally diagnosis the patient. So in order to be paid by a carrier, a PT either has to break the law by assigning an ICD9 code and sending to insurance or get a diagnosis from a professional licensed to diagnosis in California. What that added up to is honestly no better than what we had. At the same time, 15 other professionals, some of which can diagnosis the patient, can now monopolize the care in all speciality areas including PT. Social workers, dental hygiensts, psychologist's, Dentists, Chiro',s Physicians of all types etc. can own a PT clinic, some just to make MONEY. The CPTA refused to do their homework and thought nothing of private practice PT's. There are many members who have no respect for the CPTA and are unwilling to fund their activities. Hard to believe, but that is what happened. I saw it with my own eyes, read a ton and was present at some of the meetings. It was shameful and unprofessional with concern to the CPTA. The APTA claimed their hands were tied. Well, that is their position but it is not believable as they all rub shoulders on tons of issues. This was one of the biggest issues in the Nation. Some of us never want to see others use California as their model for Direct Access as it is very poor.
Posted by Fred
on 7/30/2014 12:38 PM