Michigan Passes Legislation to License Physical Therapist Assistants
LANSING, Mich., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed SB 151 into law last week, requiring physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to obtain state licensure. Michigan is now the 48th state to regulate PTAs, according to the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA).
Licensure for PTAs guarantees that they will have the necessary education and training, and promotes the highest degree of public protection.
This is a law that protects jobs. There are approximately 4,000 PTAs in Michigan. Licensure will keep qualified PTAs working in Michigan.
"Our efforts to ensure that physical therapy patients will receive the highest quality care from PTAs have paid off," said Michigan Physical Therapy Association President Kathleen "Jake" Jakubiak Kovacek, PT. "We're grateful that our lawmakers recognized the importance of this legislation in patient protection."
Jakubiak Kovacek expressed gratitude to State Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton) who sponsored the bill, State Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) who ensured quick passage through the Senate Health Policy Committee, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) who guided it through the House Health Policy Committee and State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) who shepherded the bill on the House Floor.
The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy and the Michigan Department of Community Health will move forward with the process of promulgating administrative rules, creating a limited license, and distributing the limited license to qualified PTAs by December 31, 2009. A permanent license will follow.
The Michigan Department of Energy Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG)/ Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives reports that the Michigan employment outlook to 2016 predicts a 22% growth in PT jobs and 29% growth in PTA jobs state wide.
The Michigan Physical Therapy Association is a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. APTA represents more than 72,000 PTs, PTAs and students of physical therapy nationwide. MPTA & APTA strive to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist and physical therapist assistant practice, education and research.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Learn more about the conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com
