Californians could eliminate the middle man and seek services directly from physical therapists rather than seek permission from their doctor, according to a bill passed by the California State senate.
The Associated Press reports the bill, SB 924, proffered by State Senator Curren Price, a Democrat whose home district is Los Angeles, was passed on Monday, January 30. Curren said the bill, which he orchestrated as a compromise, is an effort to modernize the law in California so that it coincides with laws outlined by other states.
Voting preference in the California state body for the bill encountered unanimous approval. The bill mandates a physical therapist to send patients to doctors should the therapist glean that the patient's medical needs are more serious. The bill also requires the physical therapist to acquire verification and approval from a doctor if sessions for physical therapy move beyond 12 visits at a 30-business-day period.
But this was not the first time the bill meandered through California's political circles. On prior occasions, the bill was resisted by the California Medical Association.
The next step for SB 924 is to be subject to California's full Assembly.