Physical Therapy Legislation Fails To Win Panel’s Approval

A bill (AB 783) -- which would have allowed medical corporations to directly employ physical therapists and let physicians make referrals to their employees -- did not receive sufficient support to pass out of the state Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. The California Medical Association supported the bill, saying that current circumstances limit patients' ability to receive comprehensive, integrated care. The California Physical Therapy Association opposed the measure, arguing that it would have reduced patient choice and created a conflict of interest among physicians.

• "Physical Therapy Group Cheers Failure of Bill" (Shaw, Sacramento Business Journal, 6/14).