June 26, 2002 – The Senate Health and Hospitals Committee decided Wednesday to hold a proposal to revise licensure requirements for physical therapists for further consideration.
Angelica Schuster, chair of the Board of Physical Therapy, said the territory's licensed physical therapists support the measure because it "protects the rights of the consumers and the practicing physical therapists." She said the language in the bill (No. 24-0213) "is similar to the current law but simply clarifies it further by adding appropriate letters and titles."
Essentially, she said, "The only difference is that this new one is more detailed."
Schuster said that obtaining a license in any profession indicates that the person has the competency necessary to ensure that public health, safety and welfare will be protected.
Sen. Lorraine L. Berry noted that the current law has not been revised for 40 years. She also said feels that all therapists offering services to the public should be licensed.
Sen. David S. Jones said, "We have some serious issues concerning this proposal, and it needs further discussion."
Sen. Roosevelt David said, "The more we delve into this matter, the more questions arise." He said it is the job of lawmakers "to perfect legislation based on information that we receive from the specialists." He added, "There must be a consensus on this important legislation."
After the committee, on a motion by Jones, voted to hold the bill in committee, Sen. Douglas E. Canton Jr., committee chair, said he was "disappointed that the parties involved could not come to a consensus today." But he agreed that more work was needed.
Committee members present for the hearing on St. Thomas were Sens. Berry, Canton, David and Jones. The other three members, Sens. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, Almando "Rocky" Liburd and Vargrave Richards, were excused.
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