APTA Honors Legislative Leaders At State Government Affairs Forum

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 01 Oct 2007 - 16:00 PDT

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Physical therapists from Kansas and Oregon who have led efforts in their respective state legislatures received the 2007 State Legislative Leadership Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) on Sunday, Sept 23. Paul Silovsky, PT, of Topeka, and Ricci Susick, PT, MPT, of Portland, were recognized at APTA's 2007 State Government Affairs Forum. In addition, Senora Simpson, PT, of Washington, DC, and Patricia Bartels, PT, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, received the 2007 Recognition of Legislative Commitment in honor of their long-term commitments to advancing physical therapy legislation.

"The relentless effort these proud physical therapists have put into advancing the profession of physical therapy in their legislatures is truly remarkable," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "We could never ask of these individuals the dedication they have shown in providing leadership to fellow APTA members, and these awards are but a token of our appreciation. To Paul, Ricci, Senora, and Patricia, APTA thanks you deeply for all you have done on behalf of our beloved profession."

Silovsky has served as the Kansas Chapter's Legislative Committee chair since 2000 and was instrumental in securing passage of limited direct access in the state in 2007. He worked with the chapter's lobbyist, legislative committee, and grassroots to dissuade opposition to the bill to the extent that it received unanimous approval in committee and on the floors of both the House and Senate. Silovsky's leadership was highlighted by his ability to successfully build positive relationships with other provider groups. On May 10, 2007, after a 2-year campaign Silovsky spearheaded, Kansas became the 44th state to achieve direct access.

Susick has been active on the Oregon Chapter's Government Affairs Committee for more than 20 years and has served in numerous chapter leadership positions including president, vice president, treasurer, and Government Affairs Committee chair. During her tenure, she has participated in legislative successes that include improvements to Oregon's practice act and passage of Oregon's original direct access legislation. On June 13, 2007, due to Ricci's leadership and commitment, legislation was signed into law that lessened restrictions on Oregon's direct access law to allow patients 60 days of treatment without a physician referral, rather than the 30 days previously allowed.

Simpson continuously has sought to advance the profession while serving in numerous leadership positions in the District of Columbia Chapter, including president, secretary, and delegate to the APTA House of Delegates, and now through her current role as chair of the DC Physical Therapy Board. She has been the driving force in the chapter's efforts to advance the profession through legislative change, which paid off this year with measures allowing unrestricted direct access and PTA licensure in the District of Columbia.

Bartels has been a leader on the New Mexico Chapter's Board of Directors for several years, where she has been a strong force for legislative change. Her efforts to strengthen the chapter's grassroots network have improved communication about legislative issues with chapter members, enhancing the chapter's position to protect and advance the profession through future legislative efforts.

The awards were presented at the 2007 APTA State Government Affairs Forum, which has become the top educational program for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapist students with an interest in state legislation, politics, and advocacy. Attendees have the opportunity to hear influential public leaders, attend seminars, and participate in workshops that focus on physical therapy issues. The health policy event is designed to increase involvement and improve knowledge on issues that have an impact on the practice of physical therapy at the state level.

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 71,000 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.

http://www.apta.org

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