Debate Stirs Over Legislation on Physical Therapist Hiring

On June 13, the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee is slated to consider legislation (AB 783), by Assembly member Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward), that would allow physician practices and medical corporations to directly employ physical therapists. Supporters of the measure say it would help preserve physical therapy jobs by clarifying a business code to allow medical groups to hire physical therapists. Opponents of the bill argue that it could lead to a conflict of interest because physicians would have financial incentives to refer patients to therapists in their practice and that it would take away jobs from private physical therapists.

• "Physical Therapists Challenge Bill" (Cho, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 6/4).