When it comes to federal advocacy for the physical therapy profession, the watchword is "new"—new priorities after the end of the hard cap on therapy services under Medicare last year, new challenges that have surfaced in the wake of rulemaking and other changes, and a new Congress that needs to be well-acquainted with the profession's message of patient-centered, transformative care. APTA's 2019 Federal Advocacy Forum, set for March 31-April 2, promises to help attendees navigate all those new twists and more.

Registration is now open for the annual event, which brings together physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and students together in Washington, DC, for a 3-day conference that provides the latest on regulatory and legislative issues affecting the profession, and ends with an opportunity for attendees to apply what they've learned by making in-person visits to Senate and House offices. Registration deadline is March 18.

Other activities at the Forum include an evening reception, awards presentations, and breakout sessions on state and federal advocacy, regulatory affairs, and student action.

"While 2018 was a year of real accomplishment, much more needs to be done with the new Congress that started this month," said Michael Matlack, APTA director of congressional affairs. "There are now almost 100 new members of Congress who need to learn about the essential role that physical therapy plays in the nation’s health care system—and in the lives of their constituents."