Armed Services Legislation Resource Center
Veterans Administration
More than 1000 physical therapists are employed by the Veterans
Health Administration providing rehabilitation services to our nation's
veteran population. The need for physical therapist services is expected
to increase with the aging of the veteran population and due to the
complex impairments associated with the returning veterans from Iraq and
Afghanistan. The Veterans Physical Therapy Services
Improvement Act (HR 1036) aims to help meet this growing
need for physical therapist services. Use the resources below to learn
more about this legislation and physical therapists in the VA.
Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of
2009:
Current Bill Number:
-
HR 1036 Latest Major Action:
2/13/2009 Referred to House subcommittee
Updates and Resources:
After asking the VA for close to ten years for quality standards, on
Feb 23, 2009, the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Erik Shinseki sent
a letter to APTA President, Scott Ward indicating that the quality
standards have been approved. This takes care of one provision of HR
1036.
APTA Comments to House VA Committee (.pdf) -
10/1/09 NEW!
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki Letter of Approval (.pdf) -
2/23/09
APTA
Supports Bill to Improve Physical Therapy Services for Veterans -
02/18/09
HR 1036 Position Paper (.pdf)
HR 1036 Bill Summary and Section by Section
(.pdf)
History and Background:
PT Profile- PTs in the VA (.pdf)
APTA
Seeks Update of Veterans Affairs Standards - 10/19/07
APTA
Testimony to House VA Committee - 10/18/07
APTA Letters to VA Secretaries - 2003-2007 (.pdf) -
2/2/07
Department of Defense
The Army Medical
Specialist Corps was established in 1947 and is comprised of
Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Dietitians, and Physician
Assistants. Throughout its 60 year history Army Medical Specialist
Corps (AMSC/SP) Officers have demonstrated excellence in Soldier health
care, clinical management, and executive leadership. AMSC / SP officers
represent the only specialties in the Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
who possess the unique skills and comprehensive understanding of Soldier
care from the battlefield to long-term rehabilitation. However, senior
SP Officers are often left out of critical decision-making at the senior
level by limited rank opportunities given that the Army Medical
Specialist Corps is the only Corps in the AMEDD where the Corps Chief is
not afforded the rank of at least Brigadier General per Title X
code. S.
1664, a bill to amend title 10 of the US Code to modify the appointment
and grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist
Corps, would give the
AMSC officers the representation necessary to participate in, and help
contribute to, critical decisions made at the highest levels of the
Army.
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the
appointment and grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist
Corps
Current Bill Number:
- S 1664 Latest Major Action:
9/14/2009, Referred to the Committee on Armed Services
Additional Resources
Letters
of Support
What You Can Do:
Contact your elected officials using our Legislative
Action Center.
If you'd like to get more updates on this and future legislation
dealing with Veteran's Issues, join our PTeam
today!
[Last updated: 11/06/09 | Contact: advocacy@apta.org]
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