Legislative Impact Day

Hello Members

 

We've just posted some basic information about PT Legislative Impact Day (formerly known as PT Rally Day) on our website. It's linked to our home page at ptwa.org but the direct page link is: http://ptwa.org/Content/Legislative/LegislativeImpactDay.htm

 

For those of you who've attended in the past, much of the information is the same. EXCEPT - we are expecting a much bigger crowd (400!!) so we will be holding the briefing in two locations and we may be starting the briefing at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9. Since one of our briefing locations will be the Governor House hotel, that is where we've reserved our block of rooms, rather than the Clarion.

 

The web page includes information about how to request a meeting with your legislators or a free bus ride (you send an email to legislative@ptwa.org). Please try to sign up by December 15 to help us with planning.

 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including $100 Student Lodging sponsorships!

 

More information will be posted throughout December. Stay tuned!

 

Thanks for your enthusiastic support of this year's legislative day!

 

Jackie

Election 2008 Results

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Americans went to the polls in record numbers to elect Senator Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Monica Billger, APTA's Associate Director of Grassroots Advocacy, sent an information bulletin yesterday afternoon on what this historic election means for the future of the physical therapy profession. The bulletin was sent to component presidents, executives, Federal Affairs Liaisons, and Key Contacts. Of particular interest was the fact that nine PTs and one chapter executive ran for state legislature in 2008. In 2009, the profession will have the greatest number of physical therapists (six) in state legislatures in its history. The elected members include: State Senator Jamie Boomgarden (SD), State Representative Sue Allen (MO), State Representative Penny Bernard Schaber (WI), State Representative Randy Stewart (NC), State Representative Phil Lowe! (SC), and State Representative Beth Coulson (IL). Another winner is State Representative (and Ohio Chapter Executive Director) Nancy Garland (OH). Look for more updates to be posted on APTA's Web site in the next few days.   

Stop the Merry Go Round- Direct Access Please!

The Problem: Timely access and provider choice for patients in the UK who need care for musculoskeletal complaints but have to wait months to get an appointment with a General Practitioner (so they can then be referred to a Physio). 

The Solution: Direct access to services provided by a physical therapist 

The Result: Swift, effective care for people of all socioeconomic classes with musculoskeletal disorders leading to reduced work absenteeism, reduced direct costs, and increased patient satisfaction (per the published govt. report commented on in this article). Oh yea, also employment for the 1,800 physiotherapists who have graduate since 2005 and want to treat patients but who cannot find work. 

One quarter of all consults from General Practitioners in the UK are for patients with neck and back pain complaints alone. What are they able to offer these patients?   Hmmm, it appears the "You have Drugs, Surgery, or Us" option applies internationally.it certainly does in this case. 

The Department of Health is calling on the leaders of the NHS to allow direct access. The APTA and its membership has been doing the same for some time now. Excuse me legislators and key health care decision makers: This is not rocket science- what's not to get? 

Round and round and round we go, when will this madness (Medical visit ------ Consult ----------PT) stop nobody knows. However, one thing we do know, and that is that it won't stop until our patients have the option and ensuing benefits of real (ie. unfettered and reimbursed) Direct Access.

 

Rob

Conference Hotel Reservations

Hello everyone,

I am trying to get all my travel plans made for the AAOMPT conference, and I was wondering if there are any guys out there that would be interested in sharing a room. I will be arriving on Thurs Oct 30 at 10 pm, leaving Nov 2 early and I haven't made hotel reservations yet (pending response to this e-mail). If anyone is interested please e-mail me or give me a call at 337-302-7253 (i tend not to answer my phone during the day but I will get back to you if you leave a message).

Thanks,
Stephen W Brittain, SPT
VP AAOMPT sSIG

Cricket and PT - Branding Woes

This blog was posted on myphysicaltherapyspace.com on September 26th

After a recent conversation I realize that there is an analogy that for me shows how it feels trying to communicate what PT is without a success brand:

Imagine going your friends, family and business contacts and try to get them to buy tickets to a Cricket game. They have heard of it, have their own idea of what it is but, if pressed, have no idea of the reality of the game. They would make comments like: isn’t that like Baseball? (Same as – isn’t that like a massage therapist or a personal trainer?), Don’t know if I’d like it. (Same as I don’t think it will help my condition), Never been to a Cricket Game before so I don’t think I want to take the time. (Same as never been to PT and so why would I take the time if I am not sure what it is, or I can exercise on my own?) What are the rules of the game? (Same as – I didn’t know that you could treat that, or I didn’t know you could do manipulation…), and they wouldn’t think to ask who is playing because one team is just like the rest given their perspective (they go where the MD tells them to with go or an MD just sends them to the closest PT).

PT is like Cricket because we have no Brand in this country, the public has heard of us but has no true understanding of what we do. I fear that our existence (with diminished benefits, higher co-pays and a state of significant undervalue in the market place) is truly at risk. Do the powers to be at the APTA understand what Cricket really is? If not then they have an opportunity to understand how the vast majority of the public, many physicians and almost all payors perceive PT.

Been to a Cricket game lately??? - Jeff

National Student Conclave

October 17-19, 2008
Fairmont Hotel
170 S. Market Street
San Jose, California 95113

Registration Costs
Student APTA member - before event $99/ at event $159
Student non-APTA member - before event $130/ at event $190
*to get the 'before event' price, it must be made by Oct 3, 2008
Cancellation policy - in writting to APTA before Oct 3 for a full refund

Fairmont Hotel - 800-346-5550 for reservations (mention APTA 

NSC to get the discount)
Single room - $129/night (probably 2 in a room)
Double room - $139/night (up to 4 in a room)
*Deadline for hotel reservations is Sept. 19, 2008

There is one "Social Event" for Friday Night that has an additional cost
of you want to participate. It is the PT-PAC Late Night Party at the
Tiki Lounge. It's an additional $10/person. AAOMPT will also have a
social event, but it's not official/sanctioned by the NSC and will
probably be a cash bar somewhere on the hotel property. 

Manipulation Legislative Battles, Advocacy and Practice Protection

When:      October 30, 2008  1-6pm; followed by a reception with legislators 

Who:        William Boissonnault, Steve McDavitt, Ken Olson, Melissa Johnson
Where:     Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle
                American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists

How:          www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx

Calling all Washington State Physical Therapists to seize this critical opportunity to learn about and support our legislative effort to erase language prohibiting spinal manipulation in our state!  Register now www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx  and attend this landmark occasion with national leaders of our profession coming to Seattle to support our efforts.

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR PAIN LEADING TO ALARMING RISE IN DEATHS
Physical Therapy an Alternative to the High Risks of Methadone
Tallahassee, Florida, August 18, 2008 – A recent investigative report1 published in the New York Times highlights the alarming increase in methadone prescriptions for the treatment of chronic spinal pain. The result has been a shocking increase in methadone related deaths. Physical therapists can play a role in providing patients and physicians with an alternative to dangerous pain medications like oxycodone and methadone. Methadone was once limited to use in addiction treatment centers to replace heroin, but today it is frequently given out by physicians to manage spine and joint pain. The Drug Enforcement Administration noted that from 1998 to 2006, the number of methadone prescriptions increased by 700 percent. “Many legitimate patients, following the direction of their doctor, have run into trouble with methadone, including death,” noted pain specialist Dr. Howard A. Heit from Georgetown University. Florida alone, which keeps detailed data, listed methadone as a cause in 785 deaths in 2007, up from 367 in 2003. “These are senseless deaths,” said Dr. Timothy Flynn of Regis University in Denver, CO, and President of the
American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT). “Patients should be aware that these medications are not the best option to reduce the symptoms of spinal pain. Research has shown that early movement and treatments like exercise and spinal manipulation offer strong benefits to spine pain and disability.” “The medical management of spinal pain in this country is a failure,” continued Flynn, “we too often initiate prescription drug therapy before choosing safe and effective alternatives.” Flynn suggests that patients seek out physical therapists as a first-line treatment for these conditions.

A February 2008 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that from 1997 to 2005, pharmaceutical expenditures for the management of low back pain increased by 171% while the rate of good outcomes fell. "All the imaging we do, all the drug treatments, all the injections, all the operations have some benefit for some patients,” said Richard A. Deyo, a physician at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and a coauthor of the report. “But I think in each of those situations we've begun using those tests or treatments more widely than science would really support." For more on the benefits physical therapists can provide in the management of spinal pain, contact your nearest physical therapist or visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists website at www.aaompt.org. AAOMPT represents physical therapists by promoting excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy practice, education and research.

Dr. Richard Deyo, MD, MPH will be the key note speaker at AAOMPT’s Annual Conference in Seattle this November. The conference theme will focus on pain management and physical therapists’ role in this important area of care.

CONTACT: Timothy Flynn, PT, PhD
President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Phone: 303-964-5137
tflynn@regis.edu
www.aaompt.org

President Signs Bill Extending Student Loan Aid to PTs

On July 31, Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation to expand an
existing program under the Department of Education that will provide
eligibility for student loan repayment for physical therapists that
practice with children, adolescents, or veterans. This provision was
part of a comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Reauthorization is the process by which Congress prescribes changes,
additions, and deletions to meet evolving needs of current programs
(such as education). The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HR 4137) also
includes extensive provisions that impact student loans, accreditation
of physical therapy education programs, and other programs for
universities and graduate schools. This legislation was signed by the
President today.

Please note - application for loan repayment is not yet available. The
Department of Education will issue regulations that will provide
physical therapists with the eligibility to apply and compete for
student loan repayment up to $2,000 per year for up to 5 years. The
legislation specifies that the physical therapist must practice in an
identified area of need and with children, adolescents, or veterans.
This will be a competitive process with a number of other professionals
eligible for this program. This is one step in APTA's comprehensive
legislative agenda to provide physical therapists with student loan
repayment opportunities and separate from the Physical Therapists
Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 1134 / S. 2485), which would
provide student loan repayment for service in the National Health
Service Corp.

This was a significant legislative victory for APTA and its advocates.
In early 2007, APTA worked with the US House Committee on Education and
Labor to add physical therapists to this section of the legislation to
reauthorize the Higher Education Act. Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)
offered the addition of physical therapists to this section of HR 4137
on the floor of the US House, and this amendment passed on unanimous
consent. Representative Sestak represents suburban Philadelphia, a
district with a high number of physical therapist students and faculty
from education programs in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Representative
Sestak felt so strongly about the need for student loan repayment as a
tool for the recruitment and retention of physical therapists that he
highlighted the issue in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Senate did not include a specific listing of professions in its
version of the legislation, so APTA advocated for inclusion of the House
provision in the House-Senate conference report. In mid July, the final
conference agreement included the House provision.

Manipulation Legislative Battles, Advocacy, And Practice Protection

Thursday, October 30, 2008

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Pre Conference Workshop- Manipulation Legislative Battles, Advocacy, And Practice Protection

Cost: $35 donation to PAC for all PTs. FREE for students!!!

 

This special half-day Pre-Conference workshop is offered in support with the Physical

Therapy Association of Washington The special registration fee for this session will be

allocated as a PAC contribution to the Physical Therapy Association of Washington. Our

thanks to the presenters and to the Physical Therapy Association of Washington for bringing this important information to the AAOMPT registrants as well as the Physical Therapy community of Washington State as they face the challenge of addressing current legislation affecting our profession.

This pre-conference course will include three primary components. The first component will be include description of legislative strategies used by physical therapists over the past 20 years to defend the right to practice manipulation in the legislative and regulatory area. The second component will include the current legislative initiatives by the physical therapists in Washington State designed to restore the right to practice spinal manipulation in Washington State. Grassroots efforts and strategies to build relationships with legislators will be emphasized throughout the presentation. The third component of the presentation will include a panel discussion with opportunities for participant interaction to further educate on advocacy for physical therapy practice.

 

Session Objectives:

1. Discuss the legal and legislative implications of manipulation and how it impacts PT

practice.

2. Discuss legislative strategies used by the chiropractic profession

3. Discuss legislative strategies for protecting physical therapy scope of practice in manual therapy and manipulation

4. Provide the necessary tools and resources to empower physical therapists to become

advocates for protection of manipulation within physical therapy practice

5. Discuss WPTA initiatives to restore spinal manipulation

 

Presenters:

William Boissonnault, PT, DHSc, DPT, FAAOMPT

Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy

University of Wisconsin, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

 

Ken Olson, PT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT

Northern Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Associates

 

Steve McDavitt, PT, DPT, MS, FAAOMPT

Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy

 

Melissa Johnson

Lobbyist, PTWA

My Experience at the 2008 APTA House of Delegates

Imagine an enormous room filled with more than 400 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students from around the nation. As you walk into this room for the first time, you can hear the music blaring, papers rustling, loud chatter, and ongoing debate, as the giant clock projected on the screen counts down and everyone scurries to take their seat. The stage is set for the APTA House of Delegates, the governing body of our profession. Over the next few days, the speaker of the house, with his witty humor, will direct over 200 voting members, selected by their state associations, along the legislative path. On this floor, they will debate, amend, postpone, withdraw, and refer on several motions brought forth by different components of APTA, until a vote is called and affirmed with either, a “Yay” or “Nay”.

 I remember the very moment I walked into the room for the first time; I was speechless. I thought to myself, WOW! This is where it all takes place, where leaders make the decisions as to the direction of our profession.  At this moment, my understanding of the purpose of APTA became very clear. I felt proud to be a member. I realized that APTA brings unity to our profession and without it we would not thrive and flourish as a whole.  This organization is well run by the top leaders in our profession who are dedicated to the advancement of all of our interests. So, for all of you who wonder where your dues money goes and why you pay so much to belong to one organization, I can assure you, it is all worth it. I have made it my duty and obligation as a future physical therapist to support my profession by being a member for life. I challenge you to do so as well.

Sincerely,

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison

Housing Wanted in Ballard/Seattle Area

Hi Everyone,
My name is Brad Defenbaugh and I am a PT student from St. Ambrose University. I have an 8 week clinical in Ballard at Advanced Manual Therapy and I was wondering if anyone had an extra room available from July 28th-Sept 19th. I would only need to stay in the room from Mon night-Thurs night because on weekends I will be staying with my brother in North Bend. If you have a room or know someone who does, email me at

defenbaughb13@gmail.com

Thank You for the hospitality.

AAOMPT –sSIG Executive Elections

Now Requesting New Platforms!!!

The purpose of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy – student special interest group (AAOMPT-sSIG) is to serve its members by fostering active student involvement in the AAOMPT. This will be done by facilitating the advancement of the orthopedic manual physical therapy practice and enhancing the use of current evidence-based manual physical therapy practice.

Goals of the AAOMPT-sSIG
-To provide extra opportunities to grow as a student PT
-Promote discussions between students, faculty, and fellows
-Accelerate decision making skills and processes
-Networking with future colleagues

The AAOMPT-sSIG will start requesting platforms for executive positions on June 2nd and will run until June 16th. Platforms will be posted for active student members to view and elections will be held on the 23rd. If you are interested in running for a position please send platforms kwong2@kumc.edu by June 16th. See below for instructions on elections process.
-Executive Committee Positions two year term – the first year will consist of learning and assisting; the second year you will play the active role and mentor the incoming committee.

Requirements
-AAOMPT student member ($15 to join at aaompt.org)Starting the 2nd year of PT school (to allow for a 2 year term)
-Manual therapy experience (education background and/or clinical rotation background)

Description of Positions:
President: The President shall be responsible for preparing agendas and conducting all meetings of the AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee. He/she shall report biannually to the AAOMPT-sSIG membership. The President will play a supervisory role to ensure the promotion and action of the AOMPT-sSIG Mission. He/she shall serve as a liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the sSIG. He/she shall be the chief liaison between the Leadership Committee and the AAOMPT Executive Committee
Vice President: The Vice-President shall assist President in all duties and assume those duties in the President’s absence. He/she shall assume responsibility for maintaining internal relations among members of the sSIG.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the funds allocated to the SSIG by the AAOMPT and any funds collected through fund-raising events. He/she shall be responsible for accessing funds in accordance to the decisions made by the Leadership Committee. He/she shall maintain accurate and complete records of financial transactions and make these available to the SSIG or AAOMPT upon request. The records of transactions shall be reviewed and audited by the Secretary at least on an annual basis. He/she shall be a source for understanding the financial system within the AAOMPT-SSIG in regards to purchase orders, check requests, deposits, etc. He/she shall assume duties of Secretary in the Secretary’s temporary absence.
Secretary: The Secretary shall conduct the election of AAOMPT-SSIG officers The Secretary shall be responsible for taking, recording, and distributing minutes from each leadership meeting to members of SSIG within 10 days. He/she shall compile and distribute agendas for future meetings. He/she shall act as the auditor of the financial transactions of the AAOMPT–SSIG and shall review these records at least on an annual basis. 
Member at Large: The Member at Large shall be responsible for representing student members of the AAOMPT within the Leadership Committee. He/she shall bring ideas from the member base to the Leadership Committee table for discussion. He/she shall serve as liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the SSIG and shall coordinate regular communications/ updates with the SSIG.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the election process please contact:
Kelli Wong, SPT, AAOMPT-sSIG President
University of Kansas Medical Center DPT class of 2009
kwong2@kumc.edu
913-907-9887

Fundraiser for Christine Gregoire

Last Thursday, May 22nd, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the fundraiser event hosted by PTWA for Christine Gregoire. The governor has been a strong supported of our profession throughout her time in office. In 2005 she signed our consumer protection act, something she took a lot of heat for. She is incredibly passionate about the healthcare system, especially when it comes to children.  During her speech to the 30 attending this intimate event, she really hit home when she began talking about evidence based research.  At this point, Jeremy Angaran and Bob Boyles, co-chairs of the manipulation task force,  interjected and gave a very solid statement about manipulation. Jeremy touched on issues of LBP and how it is a billion dollar medical problem and that the services PTs can provide, are cost effective and research shows favorable outcomes. He then stated that WA state is one of 2 states where manipulation is not allowed to be practiced. Therefore we as PTs cannot offer best practice. Jeremy then informed her of our student poll that showed that 31% of students graduating are thinking about leaving the state because of this issue. I was shocked to learn that the governor was incredibly knowledgeable about this issue, although she was shocked that WA is one of two states that cannot manipulate. In her statements following, she discussed how surgery is not the answer to LBP and costs healthcare billions with unfavorable results. Several other issues where brought up as well including how MRIs have become  the new 1st line of defense because they are "sexy" as Bob always says and cost healthcare millions, when a simple X-ray would suffice. Needless to say, Christine Gregoire is on our side! She has already provided us with several contacts so that we can begin getting legislation written up. She is incredibly passionate about the healthcare system and is an amazing Governor, arguably one of the best in the nation. As this is an election year, I urge everyone to seriously consider supporting and backing Christine Gregoire. ~ spread the word.

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison

AAOMPT Annual Conference 2008

AAOMPT Annual Conference 2008

AAOMPT Annual Conference

October 29-November 2, 2008

Seattle, Washington

Pain: From Science to Solutions

 

On-line Registration and Program Information is Now Available!

 

The 2008 AAOMPT Annual Conference is the national conference where persons having a common interest in orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) may meet, confer and promote research, practice, and patient care.

The conference programming will focus on the various types and causes of pain providing attendees with state of the art treatment strategies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this important conference with your peers and gain information and resources to advance your skill level and increase proficiency in OMPT.

 Please forward this info to all of your PT colleagues who are not AAOMPT members.  Let the secret out that the AAOMPT Annual Meeting is the most exciting and informative PT conference in the US!

Make the decision to attend and register today!!!

Click here for on-line registration!

 

Exceptional Educational Opportunities will be offered.

• Pre-Conference Sessions.  These sessions will offer in-depth information and interactive group dynamics to present best practices, tools and applicable solutions in four hot topic areas.
• Keynote Presentations: Manipulating the Brain by David Butler, Neuro Orthopaedic Institute Australasia Pty, Ltd., Treating Chronic Back Pain: Can There Be Too Much of A Good Thing? By Richard Deyo, MD, MPH, and How Does Manual Therapy Inhibit Pain? By Steven George, PT PhD
• Educational Breakout Sessions. A full day of educational breakout sessions will be offered in repeating time slots to allow you to attend as many as possible.

 Updated program information is now on-line!

Click here for the conference agenda and detail on educational sessions.

Inclusive Registration Fees

• Full Conference Registration fees include the Keynote Presentations, Breakout Sessions, Research Day, entrance to the Exhibit Hall and networking meal functions including two lunches, Welcome Reception, Poster Presentation Meet and Greet reception and the Friday evening Reception and Dance.
• Registration Packages are available to combine Pre-Conference Course Registration and Full Conference at a cost savings!

Grade V Baby - UPS Class of 2009

To see Grade V video send an email to the Blog Moderator.

Clinical Prediction Rule Videos

Texas States PT students put the Ottawa Knee Rule and the CPR for stabilization to good use in CSI Miami and the Bachelor.

CSI Miami (Ottawa Knee Rule)

The Bachleor (CPR Stabilization)

Thank you for voting!

First off, thank you to everyone who voted on the PTWA Student Blog. Overall 116 people voted!!! 31% of the students stated that the current state of manipulation would effect their decision to stay in WA upon graduation. This is a big number considering the focus of the Spring PTWA conference was on the shortage of physical therapists in WA state.

This information was presented to all members at the conference during a panel discussion. I got several remarks from people who were very amazed at these statistics and had never thought about this issue affecting the shortage. So thank you to everyone for helping to increase awareness and support for manipulation in WA state. 

Secondly, PTWA held a fundraiser dinner for two of our legislators, Dawn Morrell and Eileen Cody last friday, both whom have been large supporters of PT issues/legislation. Jeremy Angaran, co-lead of the manipulation task force got to chat with Dawn about the issue of manipulation. Jeremy increased her awareness that manipulation is a skill that PTs are trained in. He also presented to her that this issue is very important to our newly graduating students and that if we don't remove the ambiguity from our current laws, many students will leave our state. So thank you again to all who voted and to Jeremy for spreading the student voice. As a united student front we will be heard and we will affect change! Lets keep it up.

Viva la Revolution!

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison

Legislation Update

At the spring PTWA conference and update on legislation relevant to physical therapy was given by our Legislative Committee Chair Elain Armantrout and Lobbyist Melissa Johnson.

1. The state of Washington approved a state wide Falls Prevention budget

2. 1103. This was the bill we were lobbying for at Rally Day 2008. It is a 5 yr pilot project that has granted the nursing and medical commission authority for their own professions. This bill will:

- Allow the commissions to hire their own staff and manage their own budget 

- Allow the commissions to discipline individuals in their own profession for misconduct 

- Promote similar sanctions across the profession for misconduct

- Allow the boards to petition to use money from the budget for discipline cases taken to court.

- Chiropractic and Dentists declined to participate in pilot project.

3. PTA licensure passed. Newly graduating PTAs will now have to take a certification exam.

- PTAs will be required to obtain 40 ceu every two years (Same at PTs)

- Grandfather clause for currently practicing PTAs

4. RALLY DAY 2009 is now set. MARK YOUR CALENDERS!

- January 2nd, in Olympia

House of Delegates

This year the House of delegates will be discussing several issues. 

The first being branding and name recognition. Many people feel that all the credentials behind physical therapists names "muddies the waters" for the consumer. The goal will be to drop all credential initials besides PT and an academic degree such as a Ph.D.

Another issue will be the creation of grants from APTA to stimulate educating youth about activity and physical therapy.

Lastly, there is an idea to allow students who have been members of good standing for two years, and who renew within a certain timeframe, to obtain free attendance to a national conference or preview 20/20.

THE SCARY SIDE OF DRUGS

Drugs, Surgery, and PT. Drugs and surgery continue to be at the forefront for many musculoskeletal diagnosis. However, the adverse affects of these two treatments can be scary and very costly. In an article titled, "The 10 Deadliest Drugs," a 2007 study by Furberg and colleagues was published, which looked at the adverse events of drugs reported to the FDA. From 1998-2005 1,393 deaths were associated with Acetaminophen, the 5th deadliest drug ~ Scary huh! This should be a wake up call to everyone. With these kind of numbers health care professionals need to be educating their patients as well as looking for alternate first line defenses for musculoskeletal problems... Enter Physical Therapy. 

WA STATE DOCTORS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS BATTLE OVER REFERRALS

By Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews staff March 3, 2008.

A legal dispute in Washington state has doctors worried that their
ability to employ other licensed medical professionals -- and ultimately
compete in health care -- may be compromised. The owner of a physical
therapy group is suing an orthopedic practice, saying the doctors are
profiting illegally from referrals they make to physical therapists who
work for them. Columbia Physical Therapy also claims that state law
prohibits Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in Kennewick, Wash.,
from hiring physical therapists at all. Both sides are asking the
Washington Court of Appeals to clarify the issue. Judges have yet to
decide whether to accept the case.   [...] Physicians worry that a lawsuit will

 hurt competition and continuity of care.

Read the entire article in American Medical News:

www.amednews.com/2008/gvsc0303

Update on student relief bill HR 4137

As posted on earlier, here is an update on this important bill. HR 4137 is The College Opportunity and Affordable Act, which allows for federal loan repayment support for some professions. Congress recently revised this act to include Physical Therapists. This could be a great opportunity for those of us who enter the career swimming in debt.

"Physical therapists (PTs) who choose to work with children, adolescents or veterans would be eligible to apply for student loan forgiveness under legislation approved Thursday, February 7, by the US House of Representatives. Rep Joe Sestak's (D-PA) amendment to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 (HR 4137) authorizes the US Secretary of Education to forgive a portion of qualifying student loan debt to PTs practicing in areas of national need."

Now the bill must make it through the Senate. If approved this could be HUGE! Stay tuned for updates.

See the original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/92277.php

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liason

EWU and the Board of Directors meeting 3/1/08

EWU students would like to contribute to the PTWA Board of Directors meeting that is taking place tomorrow by giving feedback to Brett's question: "What will we as students need from our employers upon entry into the work field? What can be done?". Some of us at Eastern would like to go into a working environment that encourages learning and offers the ability to ask questions to fellow colleagues in order to provide quality care to all of our patients and not feel embarrassed to do so. As students, some of us have the impression that we need to be experts in our field from day one, and that if we are not experts we will lose respect from our peers and other health care providers. If an employer could foster an environment that reduced the fear of making mistakes we feel we would become better physical therapists sooner in our career. Employers could demonstrate that such an environment exists in their workplace by scheduling pt's every half hour or longer, not "dove-tailing" or scheduling a pt every 15 minutes. They could also incorporate weekly staff meetings where pt cases could be discussed (while still abiding by HIPAA laws). To some of the students at EWU this kind of workplace would be worth a few thousand dollars of our wages.

PTWA Spring Conference

PTWA Spring Conference

Friday & Saturday April 25 & 26, 2008

Bell Harbor International Conference Center
Pier 66, 2211 Alaskan Way Seattle

For more information check out:

http://www.ptwa.org/Conference.htm

2008 NAIOMT Annual

Conference & Symposium Agenda

Registration - 7:30am to 8:00am (please arrive promptly at 7:30am)

SYMPOSIUM (.8 CEU’S)
SPINAL MANIPULATION:  
THRUSTING PHYSICAL THERAPY FORWARD

General Session - AM:

Peter Huijbregts - bio 
“Manual Physical Therapy: The First 200 Years”

Tim Flynn - bio 
“Cervical Spine Manipulation: Responsible Use in PT Practice”

Laurie McLaughlin - bio 
“The Role of Focused Manipulation in Management of Back Pain”

Josh Cleland - bio 
“Regional Interdependence and Thrust Manipulation”

Erl Pettman - bio 
“Trigeminal Symptoms of Cervical Origin”

Panel Discussion

Lunch - Provided

Breakout Sessions – PM (Select 3):

Tim Flynn 
“Spinal Manipulation and Regional Interdependence – 
Where Does Diagnosis End and Treatment Begin?”

Peter Huijbregts 
“Dizziness, Headache, Nausea and Other Worrisome Symptoms and Signs:
The Spectre of Cervical Artery Dysfunction”

Laurie McLaughlin 
“The Role Focused Manipulation in Management of Back Pain: 
Clinical Reasoning and Case Study Presentations”

Josh Cleland
“Mechanisms of Manipulation”

Erl Pettman
“What is a Typical Posterolateral Disc Protrusion?  A Review of Current Concepts”

GET MORE INFO AT: NAIOMT.COM

NAIOMT Conference

2008 NAIOMT Annual Conference & Symposium

"Spinal Manipulation:

Thrusting Physical Therapy Forward"

The 2008 NAIOMT conference will be held in Portland, Oregon on April 11-14 and is titled "Spinal manipulation: Thrusting Physical Therapy Forward" The conference is featuring Tim Flynn, Erl Pettman, Peter Huijbrets, Josh Cleland, and Laurie McLaughlin. The cost is $75 for students if you register before March 1st and $100 after that. The topics will be:

Cervical Spine Manipulation: Responsible use in PT practice

The role of focused manipulation in management of back pain
regional interdependence and thrust manipulation
Dizziness, headache, nausea, and other worrisome symptoms: Cervical artery dysfunction
What is a typical posterolateral disc protrusion? A review of current concepts
And more...

"Although students are not allowed to attend the pre- and post-symposium courses on Friday and Sunday, students ARE welcome at the symposium itself, which is on Saturday.  The cost for PT students is $75, which is an absolute STEAL!  For any of you that have ever taken continuing ed courses (e.g. ATCs, CSCSs), this is an incredible deal...ESPECIALLY considering the presenters" - Karin SOMPTA VP

PT, PTA, and OT Job Fair!

Hello all Washington PT and PTA students,

The University of Washington DPT class of 2009 is pleased to announce their upcoming Rehab Job Fair. This annual event will be hosted on the UW campus on Saturday April 5^th from 1-5. We would like to invite all Washington PT, PTA, OT students and job seekers to join us. Last year's was a big success with lots of presentation boards, recruiters, free stuff and most importantly, some people finding there eventual employers!

This year we are expecting between 50 and 60 vendors representing PT and OT in all clinical settings from the greater Seattle area, other Washington areas, and other Northwest states.

The fair will be located at South Campus Center which is located south of the UW Medical Center.

(follow this link for directions: http://depts.washington.edu/sauf/scc/directions.php)

Attendance is free, parking is free (after noon) and plentiful in a parking deck located directly below the South Campus Center.

For more information or questions feel free to contact the us at Rehab_job_Fair_08@u.washington.edu.

-Sanatan Golden, PTWA Student rep at Uiniversity of Washington

Physical Therapist Education

Check out this blog! A physical therapy student from Colorado offers an interesting view of the structure of the DPT Physical therapy program across the country.

http://physicaltherapistrover.blogspot.com/2008/01/physical-therapist-clinical-education.html

Rally Day Thoughts

For those of you who did attend Rally Day, I am interested to hear your thoughts. How can this event be improved or tailored more for the student? What did you like/dislike? Please post comments.

Brett Neilson

PTWA student rep.

Rally Day Recap

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Rally Day. For anyone who was unable to, we met with legislators from each of our voting districts and thanked them for their support and hard work the previous year. We also asked for their support with House Bill 2907 which gives the PT board (and other medical boards) more authority and control of their own budget, staffing, and disciplinary action. It was a great networking opportunity and a great chance to see the legislation process first hand. I expect those of you who were unable to attend this year to be there next year!

Brett Neilson

PTWA student representative

Students role at Rally Day

Rally Day is a good opportunity to learn and groom skills to approach legislators. Some people have no issues talking, but many get shy. The reality is legislators want to hear from constituents, so each student should sign up, so they get to see the people representing them. (Even if they did not vote for them, the end result is they represent them! But we don't talk about that, as it is water under the bridge) -PTs, PTAs, Students all go at the appointed time. There will be at least one person so you don't have to do it alone. -the representatives want to hear from all faces of PT: educators, practitioners, students, so every face is vital to make a presence! -each person will get a role they are comfortable with...talking to silent activities, depending on each strength. -there is a briefing, so we can all send a similar message, along with a packet prepared by PTWA. -there are additional walking tours and other governmental learning opportunities, depending on who and what is in session (we will be told in the briefing in the AM) -also just to get to know the activities, faces, roles, and approach PTWA is supporting through its members. As the whole organization of PTWA is only as strong as its members...so give it a try!