Some athletic trainers don't like a bill that could benefit physical therapists in Wisconsin. The legislation establishes a Physical Therapy Examining Board, independent of the state Medical Examining Board. That means PT's would be able to set their own standards, and Representative Sheldon Wasserman says athletic trainers are worried they'll get squeezed out: "what do we say to the athletic trainers, that point blank oppose this thing?"
But Jason Johns, a lobbyist representing physical therapists, says trainers have nothing to worry about: "this bill does not effect scope of practice, it does not effect rule making authority." In fact, the athletic trainers are working on legislation of their own, although Johns says PTs are not supporting it at this point. The bill received a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform.