February 2008
This is an exciting time to be a Rhode Island Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), and a member of the RI Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. Over the last two years, we have been able to rise to meet the demands of a challenging healthcare delivery system and increased our professionalism through advancing our knowledge and expertise.
|
1.
|
|
We have established a very strong and evident presence at the tables of legislative, political, regulatory, and reimbursement decision, assuring that our profession will continue to protect and serve the consumer of physical therapy skilled interventions.
For example, in 2007, the RIAPTA successfully lobbied against bills that would have blocked PT practitioners from providing orthotic fabrication and wheelchair assessments. RIAPTA together with our lobbyist successfully opposed regulations proposed by the RI Department of Health that would have allowed ‘medical assistants' to perform physical therapy on patients in medical offices. On a national level, the APTA has acted to safeguard the PTA as the only provider able to assist the PT in the provision of PT interventions under the direction and supervision of a PT. RIAPTA also joined with other health professionals at hearings before the Health Insurance Commissioner and prevented United Health Care from sending millions in extraordinary dividends back to Minnesota.
|
|
2.
|
|
We have revised our practice act to more specifically define our profession, assuring quality and safety to patients receiving physical therapy interventions, and requiring our continual commitment to professional growth and development though continuing education.
|
|
3.
|
|
We have initiated new efforts to reach out to other professionals, our members, and the consumers of our services, through participation in the community and continuing education.
|
|
4.
|
|
We are encouraging members to help shape RIAPTA sponsored continuing education legislation and courses to meet member and community needs.
|
These advances reflect the specific goals set by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership. Activities ongoing in the state Chapter reflect a commitment to the goals of the profession developed nationally, and a truly practical approach to our local and regional concerns and needs. Our organization has a firm commitment to the enhancement of physical therapy practice in all settings throughout the state and region. Our hope is that our strength and commitment will grow, through a total commitment of practitioners of the profession in this wonderful state.
As your new President, I am committed to serving the membership and working with you on achieving our goals for the association and the profession. As a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, please assure your professional commitment by becoming an active member of the RI APTA and encouraging your colleagues to join.
Laurie Miner, PT, PhD
Laurie A. Miner, PT, PhD
President, Rhode Island Chapter
American Physical Therapy Association
