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California Physical Therapy Association asks board to press governor to sign two bills; board defers action
Summary
The CPTA representative asked the Physical Therapy Board of California to send a tailored letter to the governor in support of AB 574 (prior authorization) and AB 1009 (school credentialing). Board members agreed to consider the request during the legislative item later on the agenda rather than acting immediately.
Doctor Sims, the California Physical Therapy Association’s representative to the board, told the Physical Therapy Board of California that two bills the association supported — AB 574 on prior authorization and AB 1009 on school credentialing pathways — were on the governor’s desk and urged the board to send letters urging the governor to sign them.
“AB 574 is on the governor’s desk waiting for his signature,” Sims said, asking the board to craft “a specifically crafted letter to the governor regarding AB 574.” Sims said AB 574 would limit prior authorization for the initial visits of a new episode of care, and AB 1009 would create a pathway for school‑based physical and occupational therapists to qualify for certain administrative credentials.
Board counsel and staff told the board that the governor’s office already has access to letters submitted during the legislative process but that the board could send a governor‑directed letter with language tailored to the executive branch audience. A board member moved that the board draft a governor‑facing letter supporting AB 574; the motion was not seconded at that time and board leadership directed that the request be taken up under the formal legislative report later in the meeting (agenda item 11).
The meeting’s legislative update, presented later by executive services staff, confirmed the board had previously taken support positions on AB 574 and AB 1009 at its June meeting. Staff reported AB 574 was enrolled and presented to the governor on Sept. 9 and that AB 1009 was likewise enrolled and presented to the governor. The staff summary noted AB 574 would prohibit prior authorization for the initial 12 physical therapy visits in a new episode of care and included amendments clarifying scope and patient protections; staff said AB 1009 had been amended to raise required experience from three to five years while allowing local education agencies to seek waivers.
Public commenters and association representatives also discussed a separate proposal, AB 1458, to permit licensed physical therapists with advanced training to provide animal rehabilitation services under veterinary referral or supervision. Karen Atlas, identified as president of the Bridal Physical Therapy Coalition, urged the board to consider the federation’s model practice language and to work collaboratively with the veterinary medical board. Staff recommended an informational session at the board’s December meeting to gather stakeholders and FSBPT materials on animal physical therapy.
No formal vote was taken during the CPTA presentation; staff and the board agreed to address the governor‑letter request and animal‑rehab informational session as part of the legislative agenda item later in the meeting.
