PTA Licensure Bill Submitted to Governor's Office

Ho`okahi Leo Committee member Lisa Isono (LPTA) and the ILWU liaison to Ho`okahi Leo attended the October 23rd meeting of the Hawaii State DCCA Physical Therapy Board.  The DCCA PT Board chairperson Charles "Bo" Aki and Executive Director Kennyatta Nichols announced that the PT Assistant Licensure bill was completed and submitted to the Governor's office.  The bill includes key points suggested by Ho`okahi Leo PTAs including a "grandfathering" clause for PTAs with significant experience.  The Board appreciated the input of Ho`okahi Leo over the recent months and advised that the Bill's prospects were favorable.

Previous bill for PTA Licensure killed in 1995
The presentation of the PTA Licensure Bill to the Governor's office is a good development, but the bill must still be introduced to the appropriate committees of the State Legislature and eventually voted on by the entire body of both Houses of the Legislature and subsequently approved by the Governor.  The last time a PTA Licensure bill was introduced in 1995 it was killed by a negative recommendation of the State Auditor's office and a lack of public support.  Hawaii is the only State in the USA not to require PTAs to be licensed.

Please submit a letter or email supporting PTA Licensure if you have not done so already!  Your letter should include: your name, address, date, and reason(s) why licensing of PTAs by the State of Hawaii will benefit the safety and welfare of the public.

Note: The aforementioned bill has been subsequently introduced to the State House and Senate by the Governor's office, supported by the DCCA PT Board.


View more PTA discussion online at:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hookahi-Leo/415954151801402

 

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