Kaiser ordered to provide therapy services to all members

California officials ordered Kaiser Foundation Health Plan to stop denying physical, occupational and speech therapy to certain patients, reported the Contra Costa Times. Since 2009, more than 100 Kaiser members filed complaints with the Department of Managed Health Care after being denied therapy services. After an investigation into the complaints, the department determined Kaiser was declining therapy to members who lacked a "physical condition." However, Kaiser Senior Vice President John Nelson disputed the agency's description of its policies.

"The department appears to have misunderstood or mischaracterized Kaiser Permanente's approach to providing speech, physical and occupational therapy to our members," Nelson said. "These therapies are not limited only to patients with physical conditions." He added that Kaiser will continue working the California agency to reach a shared understanding of the matter. Article