Michigan Introduces Direct Access Legislation; Chapter Committed to Bill's Passage

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011[image: RSS

Feed]<http://www.apta.org/rssfeed.aspx?blog=10737418615> Michigan

Introduces Direct Access Legislation; Chapter Committed to Bill's Passage

Last week the Michigan Chapter hosted a legislative breakfast in the state

capital of Lansing, Michigan, following the recent introduction of HB

4603<http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28us0fv245xf0picro5a5pchya%29%29/mileg.a\

spx?page=BillStatus & objectname=2011-HB-4603>,

legislation that would provide patients and consumers direct access to

physical therapy services. HB 4603 was introduced in the Michigan House of

Representatives May 3 and referred to the House Health Policy Committee.

" We have prepared our members with the facts, " said Michigan Chapter

Legislative Director *Mike Shoemaker, PT, DPT, GCS*. " The chapter's talking

points helped our members communicate with their legislators with

confidence. Our commitment to finally passing direct consumer access

legislation has never been higher. "

The breakfast drew record attendance. Attendees heard from Rep Margaret O'

Brien (R-District 61, Portage), sponsor of HB 4603. O'Brien has personally

benefitted from physical therapy services. She eagerly shares her personal

story to educate other legislators and ask for their support of HB 4603.

" We appreciate all the work from the Michigan Chapter members, the continued

support from APTA, and are delighted that chapter members are ready for the

ongoing work that passing legislation always requires, " said Michigan

Chapter President *Jake Jakubiak Kovacek, PT*.

Michigan is 1 of 4 states that do not yet allow citizens to seek physical

therapy treatment without a physician referral or prescription.

Kovacek, PT, DPT, MSA

PKovacek@...

Cell (313) 492-4293

Personal Fax

www.PTManager.com