Bill would encourage physical therapists to
practice in underserved areas
ALEXANDRIA, VA, February 12, 2009 — Physical therapists who
practice in areas in which there are shortages of health care providers
could become eligible for relief from student loan debt under
legislation introduced yesterday in Congress by Representatives Marion
Berry (D-AR 1st District) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO 8th District).
The Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act
(HR 988) would amend the Public Health Service Act to make certain
physical therapists eligible for student loan repayment assistance under
the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment
Program.
"Many physical therapists begin their careers with significant debt
due to the extensive education and clinical requirements of our
profession," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President
R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "By providing debt relief, this bill would help
encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved areas
where they are most needed."
"In rural communities, patients often have to travel long distances
to get the care they need from specialists like physical therapists who
are already in high demand," said Berry. "This legislation ensures
physical therapists can continue to have a significant role in helping
Americans live healthier lives. In addition, the bill helps encourage
gifted graduates to practice in underserved areas where the need for
these programs far surpasses the number of qualified specialists."
Emerson added, "In rural America, the quality of health care is
undeniably linked to the availability of services. It can be a real
challenge to attract and keep expert physical therapists. As a result,
we should use the same incentives for them as we are able to use to keep
registered nurses, medical technicians, and other personnel in
underserved communities. The student loan repayment provisions of the
National Health Service Corps should certainly be available to physical
therapists."
The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
currently includes primary care physicians, dentists, nurse midwives,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental behavioral health
professionals practicing in health shortage areas.
A Senate companion bill is expected to be introduced in the next
several weeks.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility -- without expensive surgery or the side effects of
medications. APTA represents more than 70,000 physical therapists,
physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy
nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of
individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice. In
most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical
therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about conditions
physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area
at www.moveforwardpt.com.