CPTA Applauds Legislation to Ease Patient Access to Physical Therapy Services

CPTA Applauds Legislation to Ease Patient Access to Physical Therapy Services

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Cheryl Resnik, PT, DPT, President, California Physical Therapy Association:

"AB 721 will streamline the health care process for thousands of Californians who have had to endure long waits and associated, unnecessary costs because they have been unable to access timely physical therapy treatment.

"Currently, patients seeking rehabilitation for functional impairments due to advanced age, disease, workplace accidents or sports injuries have been denied direct access to a physical therapist of their choice unless they obtain a physician's diagnosis first.

"This results in duplicative visits to physician offices for the same condition that a physical therapist is uniquely qualified to treat.

"Physical therapists are experts in human function and mobility and are required to undergo rigorous education and clinical training to examine, evaluate, classify impairments for and treat patients. However, physical therapists who hold these credentials are restricted from using these skills unless they move out of California to practice or a direct access law in this state is passed.

"AB 721 represents common-sense reform. We ask all California consumers who care about their health and fitness to call on their legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger to support Assemblymember Nava's bill."

Source: California Physical Therapy Association

CONTACT: Heather Pino, Executive Association, Communication and Member
Services of California Physical Therapy Association, +1-916-929-2782

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