Senator Tester Introduces Bill To Bring More Physical Therapists To Rural Areas, USA

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 19 Dec 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Physical therapists (PTs) who choose to practice in areas with shortages of health care providers would be eligible for student loan debt relief under legislation recently introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (S 2485), introduced Friday, Dec 14, includes PTs in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

"Attracting talented health care professionals to America's rural communities is a common-sense way to expand access to quality services," Senator Tester said. "By encouraging graduates of first-class physical therapy programs to practice in underserved areas, we can improve the availability of qualified professionals in the areas that need them most."

A House version of the legislation was introduced in February and has wide bipartisan support.

"As a result of the extensive education and clinical training required to become a physical therapist, students often begin their careers with significant levels of debt," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "By relieving some of that burden to bring more physical therapists to clinically underserved communities, this legislation will provide lasting benefits for years to come."

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program currently includes primary care physicians, dentists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and mental behavioral health professionals practicing in Health Shortage Areas. The bill would add physical therapists to this list of providers eligible for the program. To learn more about the National Health Service Corps and Health Shortage Areas, visit http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing more than 73,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at http://www.apta.org/consumer.

American Physical Therapy Association