Federal Legislative Update

We accomplished a lot in 2018… Permanently fixed the Medicare Therapy Cap Eliminated Functional Limitation Reporting in Medicare Enacted Opioid Legislation that Increases Awareness about Non-Pharmacological Options Enacted Legislation that Protects Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants that travel with sports teams Secured Full Payment for EMG in Medicare …

Role of Physical Therapy in the Opioid Crisis Knowledge General misconception about pain Pain can be treated without opioids Consumers aren’t aware of their options to manage pain Access Non opioid treatments not readily available Plans limit coverage of non opioids Goal to be pain free is not indication of quality health care Alternative Treatments Physical therapy can help manage pain Physical therapy can be used instead of or in conjunction with prescription medications

Role of Physical Therapy in the Opioid Crisis Congress enacted legislation last year aimed at the opioid crisis. It was a good first step – much more work needs to be done. The new Congress is currently having discussion on next steps for possible legislation to address the opioid crisis. Our message: reiterating APTA’s recommended policy solutions on access to non-pharmacological options, and the role that PT plays in the prevention, treatment, and management of pain. Recommended policy solutions include: elimination of copays, referral requirements, and other policy barriers to care to increase access and coverage. Our ASK: Ensure that physical therapy and APTA’s recommended policy solutions are included in any future legislation.

Primary Health Services Access Act Community Health Centers (CHC) serve as the provider of primary health services for more than 28 million people in over 11,000 rural and urban communities across America. Presently, community health centers offer a range of health services including access to physicians, advanced practice nurses, dentists, clinical laboratory, emergency medical, behavioral health and other services. Community health centers are not presently authorized to provide access to necessary physical therapist services to prevent or treat and illness or injury. Forthcoming legislation will add PTs as primary care providers for CHCs. Stay tuned for bill numbers! ASK to Congress: Co-sponsor the legislation when it is introduced.

National Health Service Corp Access to Care: The Role of Physical Therapy in Rural and Medically Underserved Areas. Adding physical therapists to the NHSC would ensure that patients in rural and underserved areas have access to the physical therapist services they need - including for the prevention, treatment, and management of individuals with pain, and who have or at risk of developing an opioid addiction. Students would be eligible for up to $50,000 of loan repayment for 2 years of service in designated health shortage areas S970

Ways to Advocate Talk to your Federal Affairs Liaison (FAL) We have brought issues to the attention of APTA in the past based on our members. Complete advocacy activities- schedule a school or practice visit visit by a Member of Congress, meet with staff, go to a town hall, send an email Become a Key Contact for your Member of Congress

Federal Advocacy Forum 2019 Held March 31-April 2 8 WPTA Members (5 PT’s and 3 Students)