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

Barriers to medically necessary physical therapy treatment are major challenges for patients seeking to return to health. CPTA has made this one of our top strategic priorities as we confront the toll these burdens take on patient outcomes and on managing the viable practice of health care.

Some entities manage utilization based upon provider’s profiles or computer algorithms---not on the need for care and the patient’s specific impairment being treated. There is no practical culpability for the plan or a third-party utilization management company for making a medical decision that results in an adverse effect on the patient’s outcome. Reductions in recommended frequency and duration of treatment are common, and the appeals process can be protracted and untimely to a patient’s care.

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.