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PTPAC, the political action committee of the American Physical Therapy Association, was created to empower the physical therapy profession to play a stronger role in the formulation of federal laws and policies. PTPAC is a mechanism through which the physical therapy profession channels financial and grassroots support to congressional candidates who are responsive to the profession's goals and viewpoints.
APTA dues cannot be used for PAC contributions; they are voluntary and must be sent separately from dues.
PTPAC funding can impact these congressional issues that directly affect students:
- Relief from student loans. One of APTA's top priorities is addressing the student debt burden, including expanding access for PTs and PTAs to federal loan repayment programs. Currently, physical therapists are not included in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. If APTA-supported legislation, H.R. 4829, was to be approved by Congress, PTs would be eligible for payments of up to $50,000 for a two-year contract period to serve in rural and urban underserved communities.
- Increase access to falls prevention. The SAFE Act (H.R. 7618) would expand and increase access to falls screening and prevention for Medicare beneficiaries. Falls are a leading cause of death in the United States, and this legislation would help reduce falls for older people.
- Permanent access to your patients via telehealth. The coronavirus pandemic demonstrated that telehealth for physical therapy can help expand access for Medicare beneficiaries. To ensure that Medicare beneficiaries and their providers continue to have flexibility in the delivery of care, APTA is advocating for Congress to enact a permanent therapy policy for telehealth service (H.R. 3875 and S. 2880).
- Increase pelvic health awareness. The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act (H.R. 2480) would address knowledge gaps and access gaps for postpartum individuals in need of pelvic health physical therapy.
These are just a few of the issues that PTPAC is advocating for you and your profession. To encourage student involvement, PTPAC established a student club called Student Stars, and contributing just $20 is all it takes to become one. You will be recognized on PTPAC's website and receive a Student Stars lapel pin.
Any contribution this year will help us achieve legislative victories. Currently, fewer than 2% of students contribute to PTPAC. Remember, this is an election year, so it’s imperative that we help our friends in Congress get reelected in November. Please take the time now to contribute to PTPAC.
Contributions to PTPAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. Contributions are voluntary. Your contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support physical therapy issues. The amount given by the contributor, or the refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage the person being solicited. The suggested amount is only a suggestion. More or less than the suggested amount may be given.