ALEXANDRIA, VA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/12/06 -- Physical therapists in Nebraska celebrated a victory today when a new practice act was signed into law by Governor Dave Heineman. The new practice act ensures that physical therapists in the state are practicing under the most up-to-date and highest standards. Nebraska's State Practice Act had not been updated since 1957.

"We are constantly seeking ways to better serve our patients throughout Nebraska," said Mike Rennick, PT, MPH, president of the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association (NPTA). "This bill is a huge step forward for patients and the physical therapists providing their care. With all the advances in physical therapy and education over the past half century, this updated law was long overdue. We applaud the legislature for recognizing the need to get this law passed this year as the people of Nebraska deserve the best and most up-to-date care available."

The new practice act, which was included in the omnibus Health and Human Services appropriations bill, protects the term "physical therapy" so that only qualified physical therapists can provide physical therapy services in Nebraska. It also updates the definition of the practice of physical therapy to reflect the current standards of practice and includes regulation and supervision requirements for physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides.

The Nebraska Physical Therapy Association (NPTA) is the principal membership organization for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Nebraska. NPTA advances and promotes the profession of physical therapy, supporting its members to improve and advocate for the health and functional abilities of the individuals and communities they serve.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional organization representing more than 65,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.

Contact:
Rachel Reiter
703-706-8548
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