Well, that was quick: a week after an agreement was reached on legislation that would allow physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to participate in the TRICARE payment system used throughout the US Department of Defense health care system, both the US Senate and House of Representatives have passed the bill. It's now ready to be signed by the president.

The PTA provisions are part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes language proposed by APTA to add PTAs and occupational therapy assistants to the TRICARE program.

"This is a significant win for PTAs, but an even bigger win for patients in the TRICARE program," said Michael Hurlbut, APTA senior congressional affairs specialist. "The important services PTAs provide should be as accessible as possible, regardless of payer."