Physical Therapists Continue Pushing For Consumers' Right To Directly Access Safe And Cost-Effective Services

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- California physical therapists continue fighting for the right of California consumers to directly access quality, cost-effective and safe physical therapy services. Assembly Bill 1000, authored by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) and sponsored by the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), once again puts direct access to quality physical therapist services on the radar of California legislators. "Our health care delivery system is under 'a microscope' right now as our policymakers look for ways to increase accessibility and affordability of care," said Dr. James Syms, PT, DSc, ATC, SCS and President of CPTA. "We believe in the right of consumers to choose a qualified provider for timely, safe and cost-effective physical therapist services and will continue to drive toward this right."

AB 1000 allows consumers access to physical therapist services without delay by amending the Business and Professions Code Section 2620 to include in the definition of physical therapy the examination and evaluation of an individual to determine a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, instruction or consultative services.

"Through the passage of this bill, consumers would be able to choose and access timely health care services," said Syms. "They would be able to receive immediate physical therapy treatment, which often is delayed by having to pass through traditional gatekeepers."

Syms continued, "Physical therapists are well trained, many at the doctorate level. As experts in human function and mobility, we are skilled clinicians in examining, evaluating and classifying impairments for and treating patients. AB 1000 allows us to use our skills to the greatest degree for the benefit of California residents.

This bill is consistent with the Senate Office of Research and the Senate Health Committee report, which recommends health care providers be allowed to practice at "the top of their license."

Consumers in 36 states currently have some form of direct access to physical therapist treatment, including all Western states and Hawaii.

CPTA is the largest voice for the physical therapy profession in the state of California and the third largest physical therapy association in the world. CPTA is a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, representing more than 82,000 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants nationwide.

SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association