Student loan debt is a significant burden to physical therapists and limits their practice opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Legislation has been introduced to add physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) for the purpose of qualifying for loan repayment programs.

The resources below will help you learn more about what you can do to learn more and help pass this legislation. By using the links to the current bills you'll find the current text and cosponsors of APTA's active legislation.

Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2009:

Current Bill Numbers:

• HR 988 - Latest Major Action: 2/11/09 - Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

• S 1057 - Latest Major Action: 5/14/09 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Updates and Resources

On June 16th, U.S. Representatives Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Zack Space (D-OH) introduced legislation to create a new "Frontline" providers loan repayment program similar to the National Health Service Cops (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, the Access to Frontline Health Care Act (HR 2891).

HR 2891 - Latest Major Action: 6/16/2009 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

HR 2891 Letter to Congress (.pdf)

HR 988/ S 1057 Position Paper (.pdf)

National Health Service Corps Section by Section (.pdf) - 2/12/09

History and Background

President Bush Signs HR 4137 (.pdf) - 8/15/08

Workforce Testimony Senate H.E.L.P. Committee (.pdf) - 2/12/08

Letters of Support

What You Can Do

Legislative Action Center

If you'd like to get more updates on this and future legislation dealing with student loan forgiveness, join our PTeam today!

[Last updated: 11/04/09 | Contact: advocacy@apta.org]