Bill would establish PT Director position in
Veterans Health Administration
ALEXANDRIA, VA, February 18, 2009 — The American Physical
Therapy Association (APTA) applauds the recent introduction of the
Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 (HR 1036) by
Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD). This bill will improve
the recruitment and retention of physical therapists in the Veterans
Health Administration (VHA).
"Our nation's veterans deserve the highest quality physical therapy
and rehabilitation services," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD.
"This legislation would help the VHA meet their growing needs by
recruiting physical therapists who are knowledgeable and skilled in
managing the many and diverse conditions that today's soldiers and aging
veterans face."
The legislation will establish a Director of Physical Therapy Service
position that will report to the Under Secretary of Health, ensuring
that as the profession advances the VHA keeps current with issues
related to the physical therapy profession's education, qualifications,
clinical privileges, and scope of practice. It also will create a new
fellowship program for physical therapists in the areas of geriatrics,
amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma, and rehabilitation research.
"With an aging veteran population and men and women returning every
day from Iraq and Afghanistan with injuries unlike any sustained in
previous conflicts, attracting highly-qualified physical therapists to
the VA is important now more than ever," Herseth Sandlin said. "Those
who have bravely served our country in uniform deserve access to
superior health care and by improving physical therapy services at the
VA, we are better equipped to provide that care and ultimately make good
on the promise our country made to its veterans."
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.