Statewide Iowa — The legislature has sent the governor a bill that would give more medical professionals authority to recommend patients be permitted to park in handclapped spaces.
Under the bill, licensed physical therapists and occupational therapists would be able to recommend the Iowa DOT issue license plates for Iowans with permanent disabilities or permits that hang on a rear view mirror for those with temporary disabilities.
That’s Representative Dennis Bush of Cherokee. He says under current law it’s only doctors, physicians assistants and nurse practitioners who can recommend Iowans with a disability get special parking privileges.
The bill also lets health care professionals in other states issue the recommendations to the Iowa DOT for plates or temporary permits that allow a vehicle to park in designated handicapped spaces. The bill passed the House unanimously in February and the Senate gave it unanimous approval Monday.
