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APTA shapes policy issues that impact our profession and the patients and clients we serve.

Through lobbying, grassroots, and regulatory advocacy, APTA shapes policy on the issues that impact our profession and the patients and clients we serve.

Learn about some of the issues we're engaged with and what you can do to help.

See How You Can Take Action!

Hot Topics in Advocacy

Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy
Education and Workforce Legislation Advocacy
Telehealth Advocacy
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Locum Tenens in Medicare Advocacy
Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B

More Advocacy Issues

Administrative Burden Advocacy

Excessive time and resources spent on documentation and administrative tasks can hurt patient outcomes.

Direct Access Advocacy

More needs to be done to improve direct access in states across the country.

Essential Health Benefits Advocacy

Rehabilitative and habilitative services are among the essential health benefits that need to be maintained — and even expanded.

Fair Physical Therapy Copays Advocacy

Physical therapy saves money and achieves results that help patients get and stay healthy. But too often, insurance requires copays that effectively reduce access. This must change.

Health Information Technology Advocacy

PTs and PTAs need to be part of the evolution in health information technology.

IDEA and ESSA Advocacy

Every student deserves the ability to succeed in the classroom and beyond. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act and Every Student Succeeds Act make that possible.

Locum Tenens in Medicare Advocacy

Patients shouldn't have to have their care interrupted, and PTs shouldn't be forced to suspend services during temporary absences.

Medicaid Advocacy

Medicaid should put patients first.

Medicare Opt-Out Advocacy

APTA supports legislation that allows Medicare beneficiaries to select the health professional of their choice through private contracting.

Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B

Medicare permits general supervision of physical therapist assistants by physical therapists in all settings — except for outpatient private practice under Part B, which requires direct supervision.

Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Advocacy

Support APTA's payment advocacy related to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Position Paper: Protecting Student Athletes From Concussions Act

March 1, 2020 / Position Paper

This legislation encourages the development of concussion management guidelines for elementary and secondary schools.
State Advocacy for Imaging Orders by Physical Therapist

August 28, 2023 / Resource

This resource was developed to help APTA state chapters advocate for explicit authority for physical therapists to order imaging for patients.
PTs' Ability to Certify for Disability Parking Placards and License Plates

July 13, 2023 / Resource

Find out in which states physical therapists have the ability to certify for disability placards.
Safe Pain Management Advocacy

The ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S. reflects the unintended consequences of an effort to control pain by masking it. We're paying a terrible price.

Term and Title Protection Advocacy

Words matter. The use of "physical therapy," "physiotherapy," and the PT, DPT, and PTA titles should be restricted to qualified professionals.

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