Senate OKs visits to physicial therapists without physician referral

Patients seeking physical therapy for aches and pains would be able to visit a physical therapist without a prescription from a physician if a bill that passed Louisiana Senate’s 31-7 Tuesday gets approval in the House.
The bill is vehemently opposed by the state orthopedic surgeons.
Sen. Fred Mills, R-Parks, author of Senate Bill 291 would give Louisiana residents greater access to physical therapists and allow them to visit a therapist directly, rather than see an orthopedic surgeon or other physician first. Currently, only seven state require the prescription.
Supporters of the bill stressed the time it takes between being injured and receiving treatment. Opponents stressed safety issues when professionals treat injuries for which they aren’t specifically trained.
“The main thing is it is really cumbersome to go to a physician to get a prescription and if they don’t improve within 30 business days they will be referred back to a physician for treatment,” said Mills.
Debate, much of it redundant, lasted more than 90 minutes. Sen. Daniel Martiny, R-Metairie, passionately argued the bill puts people at risk because it places the job of diagnosing injuries in the hands of physical therapists instead of those trained specifically to diagnose injuries.
Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, said it is difficult to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon or other specialist.