California PT Association previews bill to modernize practice act; board asked to monitor
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Summary
The California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) told the board it has introduced AB 2497 to modernize the Physical Therapy Practice Act, proposing changes such as removal of certain physician signature requirements and new diagnostic/referral authorities. The board noted it will review and share the bill language when available.
Tamika Island, executive associate of professional affairs for the California Physical Therapy Association, told the Physical Therapy Board on March 19 that CPTA introduced AB 2497 to modernize the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Island outlined the bill’s stated goals: align California law with national standards, strengthen patient access, and allow physical therapists to practice to the highest level of their education. She said the draft (a spot bill at the time) proposes removing a 45‑day/12‑visit physician signature requirement, authorizing specified tissue‑penetration techniques for neuromuscular treatment, permitting certain imaging referrals and musculoskeletal ultrasound interpretation, and allowing limited prescription, storage and administration of topical non‑opioid analgesics and NSAIDs (the bill would explicitly prohibit opioid prescribing). CPTA plans to share the bill language with board staff when it is officially in print.
Board members had no immediate objections and asked staff to circulate the bill text when available. The board’s staff noted that once the language is available, it will be distributed to members and included in the board’s June meeting materials for further consideration and possible comment.
