MN APTA COMMITTTEES & WORKGROUPS:
MN APTA COMMITTTEES & WORKGROUPS: |
 |
Senator Torres Ray, DFL-Saint Paul (front left, in black suit) meets with PT, PTA, and student constituents at the 2007 MN APTA Legislative Day |
MN APTA's sixth annual Legislative Day took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Kelly Inn and Minnesota Capitol Building in St. Paul.
If you would like to learn more about MN APTA's Direct Access Bill, please visit the MN APTA Direct Access Bill web page.
LEGISLATIVE DAY MATERIALSIf you have misplaced your Legislative Day materials, please download more below:
WHAT is our Direct Access Bill and WHY should you participate?
The Direct Access Bill would change the referral requirement to continue physical therapy services from 30 days to 90 days. The bill also changes the practice requirement for a newly licensed physical therapist, so that rather than having to practice for one year under a physician's orders before being able to see anyone under direct access, they now will have to just practice in collaboration with a physical therapist who has had more than one year of experience. In Minnesota, patients have had direct access to our services since 1986! Now is the time to make these significant changes in direct access!
The Direct Access Bill applies to all physical therapists in all practice settings because it allows greater consumer access to our services. We all participate in different stages in the continuum of care for our patients and clients, and with this bill you can count on more efficient and cost effective care to allow your patients and clients to succeed. It is an important step toward being recognized as a “professional” by Minnesota legal standards.
WHY is Legislative Day an important part of the process?
It is an opportunity to meet with your legislator face-to-face and educate him/her about our profession and why this bill is important for your patients and clients.
Constituents matter to legislators! You, as a constituent, are the most effective lobbyist when you take time to visit the office of your legislator. Relationships will play a key role in the success of our bill.
HOW does Legislative Day work?
In the morning, you will learn about the bill and how to talk with your legislator.
In the afternoon, you and other constituents from your district will meet with your legislators to discuss the bill and educate him/her about our profession. Appointments will be set up for you, so all you have to do is show up!
You will have an opportunity to share your stories about how the 30-day limitation has affected your patients and clients! NEW THIS YEAR – Small group sessions will offer advanced training for those who are familiar with the process of constituent visits to the Capitol. For first timers, a separate training will offer the basics.
More Information Legislative Day provides an exciting opportunity to meet your legislators, network with your peers, and make a difference for our patients and clients that we serve and for our profession. So whether you're a newcomer or an experienced Capitol visitor, your voice needs to be heard, for the sake of the patients and clients we serve.
Kathleen Picard, PT and Craig Johnson, PT
MN APTA Board of Directors Liaisons to Government Affairs
Minnesota Chapter American Physical Therapy Association (MN APTA)
970 Raymond Avenue | Suite G-40 | Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-635-0902 | Fax: 651-635-0903 | E-mail: info@mnapta.org | Online: www.mnapta.org
All contents © 2008 Minnesota Chapter American Physical Therapy Association. All Rights Reserved.
| Disclaimer |