The main focus for the WVPTA this year has been the passage of the revised Practice Act.  It was introduced as HB 4140 and contains basic updates to the practice of physical therapy, based on the Model Practice Act supported by the APTA. 

The WV House of Delegates passes HB 4140, the WV Physical Therapy Practice Act on February 8 on a vote of 89 yeah and 4 nay and 7 absent.  Voting no were the following: Tim Armstead (R, Kanawha), Pat Mcheenan (R, Hancock), Jonathan Miller (R, Berkeley), Mitch Carmichael (R, Jackson).   The Committee Substitute for HB 4140 includes the minor amendments made in the House Government Organization Committee  requested by the WV Chiropractic Association.

Here is the link to the committee substitute: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB4140%20SUB.htm&yr=2010&sesstype=RS&i=4140 . 

Here is the link for the talking points about HB 4140.  Put a link to the attached version (word doc - Summary of Changes to WV Physical Therapy Practice Act EShaw.doc)

The bill will be referred to the Government Organization Committee in the State Senate and probably the Judiciary Committee. 

Here is a link to an op-ed penned by Delegate Pat McGeehan (R, Hancock) that was in the WV State Journal on February 5, 2010.  It explains why he voted no against the bill.  It also shows that he does not agree with the way licensure board operate in the United States, to protect the public.