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

SOURCE Michigan Physical Therapy Association

Marcy Dwyer, +1-734-929-6075, mpta@mpta.com