PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 23, 2008 — Physical therapists
Pauline Flesch, PT, MPS of Indianapolis, IN, Joseph Donnelly, PT, DHS,
OCS of Atlanta, GA, and Glenn Brown, PT, MMSc, SCS of Dover, DE, were
recognized for their work in advancing the physical therapy profession
at the state level at a reception in their honor held during the 2008
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) State Policy & Payment
Forum in Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, September 21.
Flesch and Donnelly received the 2008 APTA Recognition of Legislative
Commitment Award in acknowledgement of their long-term dedication to
advocating physical therapy legislation at the state level and their
years of work on behalf of their chapter state legislative efforts.
Physical therapist Glenn Brown, PT, MMSc, SCS of Dover, DE, received
the 2008 APTA State Legislative Leadership Award for his individual
leadership and advocacy efforts on behalf of physical therapy issues in
Delaware.
"The relentless effort these proud physical therapists have put into
advancing the profession of physical therapy in their legislatures is
truly remarkable," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "We could
never ask of these individuals the dedication they have shown in
providing leadership to fellow APTA members, and these awards are but a
token of our appreciation. APTA thanks them deeply for all they have
done on behalf of our beloved profession."
Flesch has served in many leadership roles within the Indiana
Chapter, including her current position which she has held for 7 years,
that of Chair of the State Legislative Affairs Committee. During her
tenure she tirelessly advocated for direct access in one of only two
remaining states where physical therapists are not authorized to
evaluate a patient without a referral. Flesch has worked to increase
awareness among state legislators about issues affecting physical
therapists by building strong relationships with key legislators in both
the House and Senate, and by educating chapter members through its
Legislative Advocacy Day as well as by training them to be more
effective advocates for the profession.
As the Legislative Committee chair for the Physical Therapy
Association of Georgia (PTAG), Donnelly demonstrated a commitment to
advancing the physical therapy profession in the state legislature. A
long-time chapter member, Donnelly's presence at the statehouse during
the legislative session, and the personal relationships he has developed
with key legislators - including the Speaker of the House and House
Majority Leader - were instrumental in securing passage of direct access
legislation in 2006. As a physical therapist educator he is also
committed to demonstrating to his students the importance of state
advocacy.
Brown was instrumental in protecting and advancing the physical
therapy profession during a major overhaul of Delaware's worker's
compensation laws. Part of this reform included the creation of the
Delaware Health Care Advisory Panel, which is charged with developing
health care cost containment and efficiency measures for the Workers
Compensation program. Because of Glenn's persistence and the
relationships he developed with key legislators, stakeholder
organizations, and other policymakers - including the Delaware Chamber
of Commerce, the Medical Society of Delaware, and Delaware Governor Ruth
Ann Minner - the statute establishing this panel mandates that it shall
include as one of its members a representative nominated by the Delaware
Physical Therapy Association (DPTA). DPTA nominated Glenn to serve as
its first representative on the panel, and he has worked to secure fair
payment policies and a reasonable and sustainable fee schedule for
physical therapists in the state.
The 2008 APTA State Policy & Payment Forum is an educational
program for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and
students who have an interest in state legislation, politics, and
advocacy. Attendees have the opportunity to hear influential public
leaders, attend seminars, and participate in workshops that focus on
physical therapy issues. The health policy event is designed to increase
involvement and improve knowledge on issues that have an impact on the
practice of physical therapy at the state level.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and
manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have
medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily
lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of
care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce
pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also
work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing
fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active
lifestyles.
APTA (www.apta.org) is a national organization representing physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its
goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education,
practice, and research. Consumers can visit www.findapt.us to find
a physical therapist in their area, as well as www.apta.org/consumer for physical therapy news and
information.