Ruth LeBlanc, the current Northeast District Secretary/Treasurer, flew to Washington, DC, to advocate for the physical therapy profession as a part of a small group of Key Contacts for an APTA Strategic Legislative Fly-In. Read on to learn about her experience on Capitol Hill.
What is the apta Strategic legislative fly-in?
The APTA Strategic Legislative Fly-In is a targeted strategy for member volunteers from across the country to meet with federal lawmakers and their staff to discuss the physical therapy profession’s legislative priorities. On June 23rd and 24th, 100 APTA member volunteers had 177 meetings advocating for our profession in Washington, DC!
An APTA Strategic Legislative Fly-In, was held in June 22-23 2022 in Washington, DC. I was part of a small group of Key Contacts. I was honored to be part of the experience and advocate on behalf of the Physical Therapy profession.
One of the tasks was to connect with California representatives. I collaborated to schedule time with Sen. Diane Feinstein and Sen. Andrew Padilla; both federal representatives for California. I also connected with Congresswoman Doris Matsui, state representative, because I live in her district. Though I was not able to meet directly with my representatives, I was able to talk at length with their legislative fellows and/or correspondents/assistants. These staffers are the backbone of the office. They are in the position to collect information and provide resources to the representative they work for.
The four topics or issues discussed are:
The SMART Act addresses problematic elements of the PTA pay differential and allows for general supervision of PTAs under Medicare Part B (H.R. 5536).
The expansion of locum tenens provisions that would allow more PTs to use temporary substitutes during absences (H.R. 1611/S. 826).
Reform of prior authorization requirements under Medicare Advantage (H.R. 3173/S. 3018).
I am continually amazed by the support provided by APTA in advocacy. They provided talking points, time to collaborate with collogues and position papers/packets. I was empowered to be a voice for the profession. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to advocate and use the power of their voice.
~ Ruth LeBlanc
“We in America do not have a government by the majority. We have a government by the majority who participate.”