California Physical Therapists' Prediction Proved "Right" by Results of State Board Audit

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As expected by the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), the results of an audit of the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) released by the State Auditor's office last month proved that the PTBC maintains an appropriate relationship with the CPTA. According to the State Auditor's report, the PTBC "appropriately investigates complaints and imposes discipline…and the physical therapy board's relationships with professional organizations are appropriate."

In May 2011, Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) requested an audit of the PTBC by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), which was approved in August 2011. A statement on Hayashi's website cited that actions by the PTBC "suggest the existence of improper relationships with professional associations, especially for the benefit of those who work in private practice" and that "the Board has strayed from its mission to protect consumers." Results of the audit released June 26, 2012, have proven these claims to be unequivocally false.

Dr. James Syms, PT, DSc, ATC, SCS, president of the CPTA, issued this statement:

"CPTA is not surprised by the results of the audit in light of the fact that the Association and the PTBC diligently and consistently maintain an appropriate relationship.

"As stated in an earlier release, CPTA believes compliance with California laws and regulations is a critical responsibility of any state licensing board and the decision to audit a licensing board should be taken extremely seriously to ensure the audit is being performed in the public's interest and not to intimidate or influence the actions taken by a board or its staff.

"Although the JLAC approved the audit request, CPTA believed it to be unnecessary and costly and was confident that nothing would be found.

"CPTA commends the PTBC on the excellent outcome of the audit and for the Board's continued work on behalf of California consumers."

The full report can be found at http://www.bsa.ca.gov/reports/summary/2011-119.

SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association