Page 30 - OPTA Access Spring 2017

Committee and SIG Reports
Practice Chair Report
Alan J. Frame PT, DPT, OCS – Chair
I hope your new year is off to a great start! 2017 is bringing some changes for the PT community as many of you are aware After communication with the APTA and the other chapter Practice Chairs, I wanted to provide an update of things that may help you or your area of practice for the rest of 2017
1. There are many Medicare
changes including the physician fee schedule,
the new tiered evaluation codes, and outpatient and inpatient hospital payment models The APTA website has quite a bit of information regarding the new evaluation codes and offers webinars and self- paced learning courses if you are looking for more information
2. Due to the nature of our increasingly mobile society along with changes to the health care system, the APTA has been looking for a way to address clinicians providing care across their jurisdictional boundaries Therefore, the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact was established This compact creates a new mechanism for PTs and PTAs in participating states to get authorization quickly and easily to practice across state lines – in person, or via telehealth In 2016, four states adopted the compact and more are expected to join over the next two years If 10 states adopt the compact, a commission will be formed to make new rules moving forward Stay tuned for updates as this gains traction
3. Cultural competence is an APTA Guiding Principle and is something that the association strives to improve upon Cultural competence is considered a necessary skill to ensure best practice There is an APTA work plan to increase diversity and cultural competence in the profession and the association There are currently working relationships with ACAPT, the Section on Education and various APTA departments to develop initiatives to improve the representation of the underrepresented minorities in PT education Work is also being done to develop new initiative that will increase participation of underrepresented minorities at the component level
The APTA has links for these topics that are easily accessible via the organization website I encourage you to further explore this information and better educate yourself with all the things that the association is offering!
For more information, contact Alan at: alanjframe@gmail 30 | March 2017 | OPTA
Conference Committee Report
Michelle Losurdo, PT, DPT – Chair
It’s a great time to know OPTA
With this year’s Annual Conference lineup, you can enjoy fantastic educational programming, strengthen professional relationships, advocate for our profession, and interact with businesses that support physical therapy all in one weekend
Annual Conference will be March 24-25 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
“In the Clinic and Beyond: Enhancing Your Role in
the Physical Therapy Profession” will offer you a variety of sessions on clinical practice, education, leadership, professional advancement, linking evidence and practice, and more – all geared to propel you forward in the physical therapy profession Attendees will enjoy programming including Acute Care: Clinical Decision Making; Embracing Leadership within Physical Therapy Practice; & Bridging the Gap: Identifying Opportunities for Involvement, Building Your Personal Brand and Transitioning from Student to Professional We’re happy to bring back some of our highest rated speakers this year View the entire session list on OPTA’s website by downloading the interactive Annual Conference brochure
Join us on Thursday, March 23 for Advocacy Day. This important event is conveniently scheduled the day before the educational programming begins and is free for members. It will be held at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel and the Ohio Statehouse and will include advocacy training and legislative visits.
Along with the educational sessions, the conference
will offer a networking lunch, Friday exhibitor hall, Saturday morning group tness, Annual Membership Recognition Meeting & Luncheon, and more The Annual Student Challenge will be Friday, March 24 from 4 to 5 p m It’s a fun, Jeopardy-style game hosted by the OPTA Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) PT and PTA students will participate in the competition Everyone is welcome to join the audience and cheer for the teams
We are pleased to offer an exciting Oxford Debate this year entitled “Productivity: Paradigm & Payoff” where you will have the opportunity to agree or disagree with presenter arguments about the statement, “Productivity standards enhance success in Physical Therapy ” Join us on Friday, March 24 from 5:15 to 6:15 p m for this exciting event
#OPTAAC2017 In the Clinic and Beyond: Enhancing Your Role in the Physical Therapy Profession.
Committee and SIG Reports