APTA strongly supports legislation that would authorize physical therapists to participate in student loan forgiveness programs such as the National Health Service Corps and Frontline Providers program.
The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2013 (HR 1252/S 602), formerly the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act, was reintroduced in the US House of Representatives by Representatives John Shimkus (R-IL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), and in the US Senate by Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) on March 19, 2013. This legislation authorizes physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, ensuring patient access to essential physical therapy services.
On February 15, 2013, Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) introduced the Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013 (HR 702). This legislation will ensure that communities have access to a wide array of health care services, including physical therapy. It will help ensure patients can receive comprehensive care, and it incentivizes the transition to an interdisciplinary approach to health care.
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How to Take Action
Take Action Online
APTA Members: Go to APTA's Legislative Action Center, click "Take Action" under "Support the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2013 (H.R. 1252/S. 602)," and follow the instructions. If you have time, please personalize the e-mail and tell Congress how the cap impacts your patients.
Nonmember PTs/PTAs and Patients: E-mail your legislators using our Patient Action Center. Simply enter your zip code and click "Go!"
Meet With Your Member of Congress
Prepare for your meeting by accessing our policy resources below. (Bring copies of these documents for your member of Congress and their staff.)
Also, check the cosponsor lists below to see if your legislator is a cosponsor of the current legislation. If the legislator is a cosponsor, thank him/her for their support. If the legislator is not a cosponsor, ask him/her to cosponsor the bill.
Finally, contact APTA's government affairs department via advocacy@apta.org prior to your meeting. APTA staff can help you prepare and provide useful background information.
Policy Resources
Current Cosponsors
Additional Information