By a vote of 6-7 last Tuesday, the House 3M Committee adjourned debate on H.4329, the bill allowing physicians to once again employ physical therapists, essentially stalling the bill from passage this session. Although the bill successfully passed out of subcommittee 3 weeks ago, some votes were unexpectedly changed during the full committee discussion last week, reportedly due to last-minute pressure from local physical therapists on members with contested races in their House districts.

S.1031, the Senate companion bill, remains on the Senate calendar with several names placed on it in opposition. Despite the lack of passage this year, the issue will be revisited and support for the overturn of this employment ban remains strong.