Current Actions

AB 1009: School System Credentials Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs)

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

The Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) are writing in support of AB 1009 (Rubio) to modify California’s Education Code related to administrative services credentialing. The bill would allow state licensure in the areas of occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) to qualify as a prerequisite for the purpose of pursuing a school-based administrative services credential.

AB 574 (Gonzalez) Prior Authorization: Physical Therapist Services

Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Ask Governor Newsom to Sign AB 574 (Prior-Authorization Bill)

AB 574 by Asm. Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles) (Prior Authorization: Physical Therapy) is on a solid path to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk, where he will make a final decision on its fate with a signature or veto. AB 574 makes it clear that physical therapy patients can access UP TO 12 “MEDICALLY NECESSARY” treatment visits before prior authorization barriers are applied. To date, through votes in two policy committees and the Assembly Floor, the bill has received only one “No” vote. However, the Governor vetoed a nearly identical bill, AB 931 by Asm. Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), two years ago, so this is NOT an easy hill for us to climb. THAT IS WHERE YOU COME IN! We need your help in showing Governor Newsom why this bill is needed.

What Can You Do?

CPTA is asking YOU to email Governor Newsom to ensure AB 574 is signed into law. Please use CPTA's sample text below or write your own to send a direct email to urge the Governor to sign AB 574 into law.

"Governor Newsom, I am asking that you SIGN AB 574, which seeks to prevent the restriction or denial of care, along with unnecessary reviews and administrative burden, for important medically necessary physical therapy treatment in California. AB 574 prevents unnecessary reviews and administrative burden and allows timely access to medically necessary physical therapy treatment by allowing patients to receive up to 12 visits before continued authorization is needed---identical to a bill passed in Maine. Early, efficient treatment is important to keep Californians moving, productive, and thriving in all aspects of their lives. Not all patients will need or receive 12 visits under AB574 to address their condition, but research shows that 90 percent of all patients' conditions can be resolved within 12 physical therapy sessions. A number of health plans/insurers and third-party administrators are using computer algorithms for decision-making over the care their patients may receive without actual regard for a patient’s individual condition and situation. Such practices often have NO basis in research and are inconsistent with community standards of care. I urge you to sign AB 574 to keep Californians FIRST!"

Instructions for submitting a message to the Governor Newsom:

Visit Governor Newsom's website
Select An Active Bill located under "By Email, What is your Requestor Comment About."
Select AB 574 located under "What Specific Bill" or “Legislation Issues/Concerns” under the “Topics” tab.
Click "Leave a Comment" under "What is the Purpose of your Message?"
Click Next, select "Pro", then copy and paste the above sample text or add a personal support message into the comment box, click "next".
Enter your contact information and click "Next" to send your email.

Please download CPTA's patient flyer to mobilize your patients on this important issue.

Safeguard the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Future of Rehabilitation Research

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

On Feb. 7, the NIH announced a new plan to drastically cut funding for research, including rehabilitative services. This funding pays for lab space, equipment, utilities, and other critical infrastructure needed for scientific discovery. They have done this without warning and in violation of bipartisan laws passed by Congress. If allowed to continue, this cut will be crippling to principal investigators, the pursuit of science, and leadership in research.

The longstanding partnership between universities and the federal government has led to some of the most powerful and impactful research discoveries in human history, as well as new technologies and industries that translate into well-paying jobs. The California Physical Therapy Fund provides research support for new investigators that enables them to apply for future NIH support.