Day One of the APTA's State Policy and Payment Forum
It’s fitting that the APTA's State Policy and Payment Forum is underway in Philadelphia, PA, the city where the nation’s system of government was born. Sitting in the place where ideas for reform and progress were debated centuries ago, physical therapists from around the nation listened to updates on state and federal legislative issues affecting the profession. The take away message was that the PT professional must continue grassroots efforts and persist in bringing matters to the forefront of government.
Dave Mason, vice president of government and payment advocacy, discussed the restructuring of the APTA's advocacy unit to fuse federal and local government issues together, focus on grassroots efforts and incorporate a focus on federal issues not directly related to payment. He also updated members on the APTA's strategic plan, adopted in July. The plan will be an important vehicle for getting the profession to Vision 2020 and will include attention to access and referral for profit issues.
In terms of the presidential election, Mason said health care reform will remain a major issue no matter which candidate wins. In addition to that competition, 44 state legislatures will hold elections this fall, and 11 governors, 9 lieutenant governors and 11 attorneys general could change. Congress, which Mason said is "rushing to adjourn" so members can get back to the political campaigns, will probably not do much more work until after the election
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