For
Immediate Release Contact: Betsy Hart
HERSETH SANDLIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES FOR VETERANS Bill Would Enhance Recruitment, Retention of VA Physical Therapists Washington,
DC, August 1, 2008-
Today, Rep. Herseth Sandlin introduced the “Veterans Physical Therapy
Services Improvement Act of 2008.” This bill would improve the recruitment
and retention of physical therapists (PTs) treating our nation’s veterans
by creating a Director of Physical Therapy Service at the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA), enhancing qualifications for appointment of physical
therapists who serve veterans and establishing a fellowship program
for physical therapists in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation,
polytrauma care and rehabilitation research.
Competition is high for PT graduates. The Department of Labor (DOL) presently recognizes two health care occupations, nurses and physical therapists that are experiencing a significant shortage under its labor shortage determination authority. The DOL also projects an increasing need for physical therapists with a job growth of greater than 25%. Given the shortage of PTs and the increased need, the VA needs to be more competitive in the current marketplace to recruit and retain an adequate number of PTs to provide service to our nation’s veterans. The “Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2008” improves the quality of PT services available to veterans first by creating a Director of Physical Therapy Service at the VHA. Currently physical therapists do not have a seat at the Director level table at the VHA. Having a voice at this level that reports directly to the Undersecretary for Health would ensure that as the profession advances, the VA keeps it up to date with issues related to the profession’s education, qualifications, clinical privileges, and scope of practice. The legislation also enhances the education requirements and offerings to VA PTs. First, it updates the qualifications necessary for the appointment of VA PTs to reflect modern practice and education requirements. Additionally, the bill assists in the recruitment of qualified physical therapists to the VHA in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care and rehabilitation research by establishing fellowship programs in these areas. The “Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2008” is supported by the American Physical Therapy Association. “The American Physical Therapy Association is very gratified to see the introduction of legislation in the US House of Representatives today that will significantly enhance the recognition and provision of physical therapy services in the US Department of Veterans Affairs,” said R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD, President of the 72,000-member American Physical Therapy Association “We commend Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin of South Dakota and Congressman John Boozman of Arkansas for their leadership in introducing the “Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act” and pledge to them our complete support in seeing this bill enacted into law as swiftly as possible. By creating a director-level position for physical therapy services within the Veterans Administration, updating the qualifications for physical therapists in the VA, and establishing a fellowship program to assist in recruiting physical therapists specializing in geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care, and rehabilitation research, this legislation is a tremendously important step forward in assuring that our veterans receive the highest quality physical therapy and rehabilitative care.” ### Congresswoman
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats
committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is
co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the
profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three
committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’
Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin
was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee
on Energy Independence and Global Warming. |
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