On Capitol Hill on Your Behalf

APTA PT Day on Capitol Hill took place on July 25, 2023, in Washington D.C. There were over 1000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students marching on Capitol Hill to give physical therapy and our patients/clients a voice. APTA Home Health was represented by Eva Norman, PT, DPT, Federal Affairs Liaison and Chris Chisler, SPT.

We lobbied the following issues:

• Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 2474): Legislation that provides an annual inflationary payment update to the Medicare Physician Feel Schedule conversion factor.
  
  
• Empower Act (H.R. 4878/S. 2459): Legislation that would change physical therapist assistant supervision requirements from direct to general supervision under Medicare Part B outpatient practices.
  
  
• Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2023 (H.R. 4829): Legislation that would include physical therapists in the list of providers qualified for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and provide Community Health Centers flexibilities and options to include physical therapy care to meet the needs of unserved areas across the country.
  
  
• The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R. 1617/S. 793): Legislation that adds locum tenens arrangements for physical therapists in all geographic areas under Medicare.
  
  
• Increasing Awareness of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (H.R. 2480): Legislation that raises awareness of the availability and important of pelvic health services.
  
  
• Expanded Telehealth Access Act of 2023 (H.R. 3875): Legislation that would grant physical therapists permanent telehealth authorities under Medicare Part B.