Physical therapists may be able to take hope from new legislation in Congress that promises to outlaw physician ownership of hospitals on the premise that such arrangements are a conflict of interest.
The new legislation is attached to The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SCHIP) as part of HR 2.
HR 2 passed 289 ayes to 139 nays in the House of Represenatives on January 14th, 2009. It's companion bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. The American Medical Association is lobbying against this bill on the basis that it limits physicians' rights.
Can legislation that prohibits physician ownership of physical therapy clinics (POPTs) be far behind?
One can only hope that the Obama administration is taking a hard look at POPTS not only as a conflict of interest but also as a cost-cutting measure to reform health care.
American Physical Therapy Association
Consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020, the American Physical Therapy Association supports exclusive physical therapist ownership and operation of physical therapy services.