While 2019 saw some real advocacy achievements for the physical therapy profession, the year also brought challenges to tackle in 2020 — not the least of which is the proposal by Medicare to cut reimbursement to physical therapy in 2021. And with APTA's fight against the cut already in motion, the 2020 Federal Advocacy Forum, set for March 29-31, couldn't come at a better time.

Registration is now open for the annual event, which brings PTs, PTAs, and students together in Washington, DC, for a three-day conference that provides the latest on regulatory and legislative issues affecting the profession, and ends with an opportunity for attendees to apply what they've learned by making in-person visits to Senate and House offices. Registration deadline is March 16.

The forum's keynote speaker will be Paul Begala, political analyst and commentator at CNN. An affiliated professor of public policy at Georgetown University, Begala served as counselor to President Bill Clinton.

Begala's participation is in keeping with the forum's tradition of offering a variety of speakers with diverse perspectives. Past keynote speakers include political commentator Fred Barnes, FOX News host Tucker Carlson, and political strategist Donna Brazile.

Other forum activities will include an evening reception and breakout sessions on advocacy-related topics.

"The proposed 8% cut will be one of the issues the profession will share with their elected officials, and APTA will continue to educate Congress about the essential role that physical therapists play in the delivery of quality health care for patients of all ages across the country," said Michael Matlack, APTA's director of congressional affairs. "Now, more than ever, the voice of the physical therapy profession is critical to the health and well-being of our patients and our industry. "

Want to get a feel for what the Federal Advocacy Forum is all about? Check out the video recap of the 2019 forum on the Federal Advocacy Forum webpage.