March/April, 2014 Volume XLIX, NO. 2 Empire State Physical Therapy The Official Newsletter of the Physical Therapy Association, Inc.

The Value of Membership president’s letter (page 2)

Legislative Advocate Registration Form register for lobby day (Page 3)

2014 Committee Assignments find out if your representative is on a committee (page 5)

High Copay Sample letter There is no time like the send a letter to your legislator (page 6) present to get involved. 2014 Legislative Plan see what NYPTA is lobbying for (page 7) By: Mike Mattia, PT, DPT, MS, MHA Chair , Advisory Panel on Legislation Benefits of Belonging do you know of the benefits that are available to you? (page 9) Hello to all my fellow members. Even as the cold and snowy winter continues, our legislative plan and initiatives have been heating up across the state.

2014 Candidate I hope to see all of you at the Legislative Office Building on May 13 for Lobby Day Statements to help insure that our High Co - Pay bill (S 2319 DEFRANCISCO/A 1666 CAHILL what do the candidates have to say? and the two Workers Compensation bills (S 3555 GRIFFO/A 7293 ZEBROWSKI) see (page 13) passage during this legislative session.

NYPTA Proposed Bylaw To briefly recap, our 2013 legislative efforts saw a significant increase in sponsors and support for our bills. Amendments proposed amendments to be considered by As the NYPTA legislative leadership developed the 2014 legislative plan, there was the Delegate Assembly (page 17) an overwhelming sense that we could build upon the positive momentum garnered during our 2013 efforts. Fueled by this positive energy, the Legislative Liaisons and the Spotlight on Students Advisory Panel on Legislation planned and embarked upon one of our most expansive minority affairs committee highlights a legislative initiatives to date. student (page 19) continued on page 4 Volume XLVIII, No. 2 President’s Letter March/April, 2014 EMPIRE STATE The Value of Membership PHYSICAL THERAPY

Publisher New York Physical Therapy Association 5 Palisades Drive, Suite 330 As we slowly start to thaw out after an exceptionally cold and snowy winter we move into Albany, NY 12205 one of the busiest times of the year for both our Chapter and the Association -- the period Phone: 518.459.4499 • Toll-Free: 800.459.4489 Fax: 518.459.8953 between Combined Sections Meeting and Annual APTA Conference. And, beginning Web Page: www.nypta.org this year the Annual APTA Conference has been renamed “Next.” But this is more than simply a name change. Rather, it signifies a commitment by APTA to making the Editor / Designer annual June conference about looking at the future of physical therapy. And this got me Bibiana Braun Empire State Physical Therapy is published 6 times yearly, thinking about our profession and the role of our Association. with combined January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October and November/December issues. Its purpose is to provide physical therapists, physical therapist assistants At Combined Sections Meeting in Las Vegas the first week of February, one of the and physical therapist/physical therapist assistant students with activities engaged attendees in a marketing campaign about “why I am a member of the accurate and timely information relevant to the practice of physical therapy. The editor reserves the right to edit all communications. APTA.” Individuals would write their answers on an 8”x11” card and have their picture Anonymous letters will not be published. Views expressed are those taken with it. The picture was the easy part, putting your thoughts briefly onto the card of the author and do not represent the formal position of NYPTA was another story. After giving it a great deal unless expressly stated. “Going to work does not mean just of thought I wrote -- and later tweeted -- the Editorial Board treating patients anymore; it also reason I am a member of the APTA Claudia B. Fenderson, PT, EdD, PCS is that: “There is no PT without Melanie A. Gillar, PT, DPT, MA means improving the environment Susan Miller, PT, DPT, MS the aPTa.” for our patients and protecting our Advertisements I have been a member of the All advertisements in Empire State Physical Therapy must profession. “ comply with the ethical standards of the APTA. Acceptance of APTA and New York Chapter advertisements in this publication does not imply endorsement. Matthew R. Hyland, PT, PhD, MPA, CSCS since 1991. I was a PT student and have maintained continuous Submission of Material for Publication Submissions should be sent via email to Bibiana Braun, Editor, at membership since that time. Being a member of our Association is something I hold as [email protected]. Submissions are subject to the discretion of the a professional value. With increasing regulatory and payment burdens being placed upon editorial board. practitioners, our future lies with our Association. Subscriptions NYPTA members automatically receive this publication. I often get asked “what does the APTA (or NYPTA) do for me?” For years I would try Nonmember subscriptions are $100 (US) or $150 (non-US) annually. to answer this question with the goal of getting non-members to join and making current This price includes sales tax, shipping and handling. members excited about their decision to join. But it has always been difficult for me to Deadlines understand how individuals could make the choice to enter our amazing profession, a Editorial and advertising deadlines are the first business day of the profession that is undergoing great growth and is on the doorstep of extensive and exciting month prior to the month of publication. changes in the role physical therapy fulfills in the health care continuum, and then not Chapter Officers join the Association that represents the interests of physical therapy. There are many President Matthew R. Hyland, PT, PhD, MPA Vice President Jennifer Collins, PT, EdD, MPA convenient excuses such as cost or disenchantment because of the practice and payment Treasurer Stephen Lahr, PT, PhD Secretary Jeremy Crow, PT, DPT, SCS struggles many of us are experiencing, but those are exactly that… excuses. Speaker Christine McNamara, PT, DPT Chief Delegate Peggy Lynam, PT, DPT, NCS The good news is that both APTA and NYPTA memberships are at an all-time high. But Chapter Directors the sad, and bad news is that only about a third of all licensed therapists are members. The Brooklyn/Staten Island David Sofer, PT two-thirds of licensed therapists who are not members are one of the biggest reasons for Catskill Keri A. Gill-Smith, PT Central Michael Tisbe, PT many of the challenges facing us today. Simply said, more members would mean greater Eastern Nathaniel Mosher, PT, DPT Finger Lakes Jeannette Brown, PT, DPT, MS, NCS revenue to drive the Association and a greater voice in advocating for our profession. Greater New York Debra Engel, PT, DPT, MS How do you make people realize they actually have to want to hear something? At some Hudson Valley Kathleen Birnbaum, PT Long Island Bill O'Keefe, PT point it is every licensed therapist’s responsibility to themselves, the profession and their Southern Tier Joel VanSlyke, PT, DPT, GCS patients to take an active role. Western Mark Basile, PT

Chapter Office Staff My APTA dues are so important to me that I have them as a quarterly deduction on my Executive Director Kelly Garceau ([email protected]) credit card, just like a gym membership. In 1961 President Kennedy said we are going Director of Communications to put a man on the moon. He didn’t identify how, but he had a vision. The APTA just and Membership Bibiana Braun ([email protected]) had its man on the moon moment when the 2013 House of Delegates adopted its new Meetings Planner/ Administrative Assistant Carla Stephan vision sentence, “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human ([email protected]) experience.” It’s time for non-members to transform themselves, get on board and be part of Director of Finance Pamela J. Cook ([email protected]) solving the challenges to our profession that affect us all, member and non-member alike.. Administrative Assistant Linda Brown ([email protected]) continuted on page 19 Copyright 2014 by the New York Physical Therapy Association. Requests for 2 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 reprints should be directed to Bibiana www.nypta.org Braun at NYPTA, 5 Palisades Drive, Suite 330, Albany, NY 12205. I I I I I I I I NYPTA Lobby Day T u e s d a y , May 13, 2014 I Legislative Advocate Registration Form Legislative advocacy refers to efforts of influencing elected officials by voicing I your suggestions or ideas to your elected official. I Legislative Office Building ★ Corner of State and Eagle Streets ★ Albany, New York Registration Center: The Well ★ 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Appointments With Legislators: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. I .

I Legislative Advocate: That’s YOU!

Please print or type. I Name: ❑ PT ❑ PTA ❑ SPT ❑ SPTA ❑ Other NYPTA District: Phone number: (______) I Home address: Email address: City:______State: ZIP: Name of School: I Coordinator: Expected arrival time: Expected departure time : I ★ Lobbying Participation: Please indicate your availability for the functions listed below. You must fill in an answer for each question listed. I 1. I will be available for appointments with legislators 1. ❑ Yes ❑ No 2. My availability for legislator appointments: 2. a.m.– p.m. I 3. I wish to accompany another therapist who has previously visited a legislator.. 3. ❑ Yes ❑ No 4. My senator’s name: 4. 5. My assemblyperson’s name: 5. I 6. If you are a faculty member, how many students are you planning to bring? _7.

I ★ New York Legislators: Don’t know who your legislators are? No problem! Go to the following web page: http://www.nypta.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=8 and scroll down to “don’t know who your legislators are”

★ Legislator Appointments and Transportation: Your District Legislative Liaison will use the above information to make all I legislator appointments. Contact your Legislative Liaison to find out if car pools or bus transportation are available.

I ★ IMPORTANT: Photo ID is required for all visitors who wish to park at the Empire State Plaza, including the driver and oc- cupants in the car. Those without proper ID will not be allowed to park at the Empire State Plaza. P-3 North has been renamed to V-LOT (visitor’s lot). I ★ More Information: Please see the legislative section of the website for the NYPTA Legislative Liaison in your District.

I ★ ★ ★ Deadline for submitting registration form: May 6, 2014. ★ ★ ★

New York Physical Therapy Association ★ 5 Palisades Drive ★ Suite 330 ★ Albany, NY 12205 Fax: 518-459-8953 I Phone: (518) 459-4499/800-459-4489

Go to http://www.nypta.org/lobbyday for information regarding Lobby Day and current legislative issues. I I I I I I I I www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 3 Advisory Panel on Legislation There is no time like the present to get involved. continued froom page 1

We set forth a grassroots effort to visit each legislator in their home continuing education module during the Lobby Day activities as office prior to Lobby Day 2014. Our purpose is to have a more introduced last year. personal meeting with our legislators at their district office. Our goals are to solidify our relationships, to encourage our legislators On the following pages you will find the 2014 Legislative Plan, to sign on as sponsors of our bill, and have the legislators encourage the list of Legislative Liaisons by district, the link to finding your their colleagues to move the bills out of committee and onto the Senate and Assembly members, and the Senate and Committee floor for a vote in 2014. Assignments by district. The registration form for Lobby day 2014 is on page 3. Please help and call your liaison today to schedule Relationships are the backbone of any successful endeavor and we your grassroots visit. hope that through these visits we can build lasting relationships that will help us this year and in the years to come. As your Chair of the Advisory Panel on Legislation, I urge you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you may have I am once again asking each of you to volunteer. Please reach out to regarding the legislative activities in New York. your district legislative liaison and help in this effort by volunteering to make a visit. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s NOW IS THE TIME! We are close but we need to increase our the only thing that ever has”. My fellow members, we are that small legislative support to insure success. Imagine going to Lobby Day group, we are thoughtful and committed, and we can make change in 2014 and having the support of a majority of our legislators. Imagine the laws that govern our practice in our great state. Each of you has making those visits on May 13, 2014 to say “thank you for your a responsibility to heed the call and get involved. I look forward to support” and then seeing our bills passed. This could be a reality if sharing your experiences gleaned from your local grassroots visits we can continue to build our base of support prior to visiting Albany. and I will see each of you at Lobby Day 2014. Thank you again for all you do, every day, for your association, your patients, and NYPTA will once again sponsor transportation to Albany for each the public.  district. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a free Don't know who your state legislators are?

Visit APTA's State Legislative Advocacy Center at http:// capwiz.com/amerpta/state/main/?state=NY. You can also ST P visit http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/search.asp High Copays NY State Government Links • Copies of bills may be obtained from the Assembly: Some patients are http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/ paying up to $50.00 • Copies of bills may be obtained from the per visit for your Senate: http://www.nysenate.gov/ services. • New York State Home Page: http://www.ny.gov/ • New York State Board of Elections: Join NYPTA at the Legislative http://www.elections.state.ny.us/• Governor’s Office Building in Albany on Office: http://www.governor.ny.gov/ May 1315 to ask legislators • Department of Education: http://www.nysed.gov/ to lower copays to increase • Department of Health: http://www.health.state successful treatment. ny.us/ • Workers’ Compensation Board: See page 3 for registration http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/ form.

4 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org 2014 New York Legislature Committee Assignments

Insurance Committee Labor Committee

Senate: Senate:

Brooklyn/Staten Island — Martin Golden; Andrew J. Brooklyn/Staten Island — Martin Malave Dilan; Diane Lanza; Kevin S. Parker Savino, Chair Catskill — William Larkin; James L. Seward, Chair Central -- John DeFrancisco Central — James L. Seward, Chair, David J. Valesky Catskill -- Eastern — ; James L. Seward, Chair Eastern — Kathy Marchione Finger Lakes — Ted O’Brien; Catherine Young Finger Lakes — Joseph Robach Greater New York — Adriano Espaillat; Jose Peralta; Toby Greater New York — Joseph Addabbo; Jose Peralta; Bill Ann Stavisky Perkins; Gustavo Rivera; James Sanders, Jr. Hudson Valley — ; William Larkin; Hudson Valley -- Greg Ball Long Island — John J. Flanagan; Kenneth P. LaValle; Jack Long Island — Kemp Hannon; Carl Marcellino; Jack M. Martins Martins Southern Tier — Thomas O’Mara; James L. Seward, Chair Western — Patrick M. Gallivan; Mark Grisanti Western — Mark Grisanti; Timothy M. Kennedy; Catherine Young

Assembly: Assembly:

Brooklyn/Staten Island — Steven Cymbrowitz; Rhoda Brooklyn/Staten Island — Peter J. Abbate, Jr.; William Jacobs; N. Nick Perry Colton; Joan L. Millman; Felix Ortiz; N. Nick Perry Catskill - Kevin Cahill, Chair Catskill - Clifford W. Crouch Central — William A. Barclay; Ken Blankenbush; Marc Central — Samuel Roberts W. Butler; Gary Finch Finger Lakes — Harry Bronson Eastern — Marc W. Butler; Phil Steck Greater New York — Michael Benedetto; Barbara M. Finger Lakes — Stephen Hawley Clark; Michael DenDekker; Carl E. Heastie, Chair; Andrew Greater New York — Thomas Abinanti; ; Edward Hevesi; Brian Kavanagh; Margaret M. Markey; Michael Braunstein; Vivian E. Cook; Andrew Hevesi; Francisco Miller; Francisco Moya; Robert Rodriguez; Nily Rozik Moya; Dan Quart; Jose Rivera; David Weprin Hudson Valley — ; ; Kenneth Hudson Valley — J. Gary Pretlow; James Skoufis Zebrowski Long Island — Brian Curran; Charles D. Lavine Long Island — Brian Curran; Michael Fitzpatrick; Southern Tier — Marc W. Butler; Gary Finch Edward Ra; Joseph Saladino Western — Stephen Hawley; Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes; Southern Tier — Clifford W. Crouch Raymond Walter Western - David DiPietro; John Ceretto

www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 5 SAMPLE LETTER FOR COPAY BILL ADVISORY PANEL ON [YOUR ADDRESS] LEGISLATION/REGULATION

[DATE] Michael Mattia, PT, Chair (BSI) [email protected] The Honorable Senator OR Assembly Member [_____] New York State Senate OR Assembly Jake McPherson, PT, DPT (W) Albany, NY if Senate 12247 OR if Assembly 12248 [email protected]

Dear Senator[ ______](OR Kathy Birnbaum, PT (HV) Assembly Member):[ ______] [email protected]

I am writing to request your support for A.1666 (Cahill)/ Adam Rufa, PT, DPT, OCS S .2319 (DeFrancisco) that will prevent insurance companies [email protected] from requiring patients to pay excessively high copayments for physical therapy (PT). Insurance companies continue Consultants: to restrict access to PT services by imposing “specialty” copays of $40 or more per visit, limiting the frequency and Doreen Frank, PT (E) duration of care a patient is able to afford. This practice Brian Lucey, Esq., Lobbyist unfairly treats physical therapy services, a routine health service, as a specialty service. Legislative L i a i s o n s

Specialty copays are intended for specialized medical services or medical specialties. This bill would prohibit a Brooklyn/Staten Island health payer from inappropriately shifting the cost of care Michael Mattia, PT, DPT, MS, MHA, [email protected] onto consumers by prohibiting a copayment to be no more Catskill than 20% of the approved amount. Jill Taylor, PT, GCS, [email protected]

The practice of treating independently practicing physical Central Adam Rufa, PT, DPT, OCS, [email protected] therapists as “specialists” has allowed health payers to require consumers to pay the entire or nearly the entire Eastern cost of physical therapy care. Since PT frequently requires Doreen Frank, PT, [email protected] multiple visits over an extended period of time as the practice of physical therapy works in conjunction with Finger Lakes the healing process, many consumers are forced to pay Catherine Talbett, PT, [email protected] nearly $600 per month in out-of-pocket expenses to receive physical therapy services. This is in addition to the cost of Greater New York Lori Monson, PT, MPT OCS, lmonson@bradleymonson. health insurance paid by the consumer or their employer. com Decisions to reduce the frequency or duration of their care or not to even initiate physical therapy has led to poor Hudson Valley outcomes and complications which only lead to higher Stacey Rittenberg, PT, NCS, [email protected] costs for health care in the future. Fair copays lead to better outcomes. In these difficult economic times, it is a struggle Long Island for the average working patient to afford what they thought Co- Liaisons: Christopher Lopez, PT, MS. OCS clopez@physicalsolu- was a covered service. Physical therapy should not be tionsli.com grouped with the high specialist co-pays. Edith Goody, PT, [email protected] I urge you to support S.2319 sponsored by Senator Southern Tier DeFranscisco and A.1666 sponsored by Assemblyman Teresa Hoppenrath, PT, DPT, GCS, [email protected] Cahill to end the imposition of excessively high copays for New Yorkers for physical therapy services. I look Western forward to your reply. Curtis Paine, PT, DPT, [email protected]

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

6 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org 2014 NYPTA Legislative Plan

Excessive Co-pays. NYPTA will continue to pursue legislation which would reduce copayments for physical therapy care. NYPTA will aggressively pursue passage of legislation and other efforts to halt the practice of excessive copays.[S.2319DeFrancisco / A.1666 Cahill Co-pays]

Workers’ Compensation. NYPTA will also pursue two bills addressing issues related to the Workers’ Compensation (WC) system. The first bill would include the services of a physical therapist assistant as a covered service for purposes of the workers’ compensation system.[S.4694 Griffo/A.7661 Titone]. The second bill would require the WC Board to undertake the process of examining the appropriateness of rates of payment annually, something which the Board is currently not required to do. NYPTA will also continue to meet periodically with the WC Board to discuss outstanding issues. Health Care Reform. In 2014, NYPTA will continue to engage the Governor’s Office, the Legislature and regulators to advocate for coverage of physical therapy services and affordable access to those services as New York operationalizes a state health insurance exchange and moves forward with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Early Intervention. Early intervention providers have been hard hit by state law changes regarding billing of insurance carriers. That change has led to providers and practices owed significant funds threatening the viability of many early intervention providers and leading to many therapists leaving early intervention altogether. NYPTA will advocate for legislation which will shift the responsibility to bill private insurance carriers to the State or the State’s fiscal intermediary. Referral For Profit. NYPTA will draft legislation that closes existing loopholes in current NYS laws that permit referral-for-profitthrough physician-owned physical therapy services (POPTS) arrangements. State Budget. NYPTA will oppose budget proposals that restrict access to physical therapy services or reduce reimbursement. Practice Issues. NYPTA will oppose legislation which would negatively impact the profession including the corporate practice of the profession and legislation which would negatively impact the physical therapy scope of practice. NYPTA will attempt to negotiate with the Athletic Trainers Association to develop legislation that addresses restrictions in the practice act of athletic training which are of concern to the athletic training profession such as inability to “treat” a concussion on a playing field and which do not present a threat to the public health, safety and welfare. 

Scholarship winner describes his experience

By: Frank Hoeffner PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

This past fall I had the privilege of attending the 2013 NYPTA great to discuss their work, and the current research being done at Annual Conference in Albany, NY, as part of the New Professional my alma mater. Scholarship I received from NYPTA. The first day I attended a full-day lecture “Rehabilitation factors in pre-arthritic hip disease” The next day of the conference I attended a lecture by Jeff Houck by Marcie Harris-Hayes PT, DPT, MSCI, OCS. Her research on the PT, PhD and Christopher Neville PT, PhD entitled “Current evidence conditions of femoroacetabular impingement and hip labral tears was in the management of common musculoskeletal conditions of the insightful. I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Harris-Hayes about foot and ankle”. They provided a stimulating review of treating foot hip arthroscopy procedures and her future research projects. She is and ankle injuries utilizing evidence-based practice. Their work looking to answer some important questions about these procedures was of particular interest to me, as I was preparing to present to the and their outcomes, and I look forward to seeing her future work. foot and ankle group at the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting. Later that day, I walked through the poster presentations and was delighted to see two of my former professors Peter Douris PT, DPT, The conference was filled with great speakers and presenters, and EdD and Teresa Ingenito, PT, MSPT from New York Institute of provided an excellent forum to collaborate with fellow physical Technology. They were presenting their poster entitled “Chronic therapists. I am grateful to the NYPTA for the opportunity to attend stretching improves arterial compliance in older adults”. It was the Annual Conference and look forward to attending conferences offered in the future.  www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 7 Save the Date Golf Tournament to benefit PAC

Sunday, May 4, 2014 Saratoga Spa Golf Course

Cost: $125.00 per person

Includes cart, greens fee, round of golf, breakfast, snack at the turn and lunch buffet after tournament.

Sponsorships Available

Can’t Play? Donate to PAC

Contact Carla Stephan for more info at 518-459-4499 or [email protected]

8 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Benefits of Belonging

As a NYPTA member, the benefits listed below and to the right are available to you. Why don’t you tear this out and hand it to a non-member or post it in a conspicuous place!

What does the NYPTA offer its Members?

Discounted subscription to MedBridge Insurance Brokerage Services through The Wladis Companies The New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) and MedBridge, the leader in online education for The Wladis Companies is a full service employee physical therapists, have collaborated to provide NYPTA benefit brokerage that specializes in health insurance. members accredited and cost-effective online curriculum This is an ever changing business that requires a taught by internationally recognized clinicians. significant amount of education to employers and their employees. Through the partnership, NYPTA members can access MedBridge’s library of more than one hundred evidence- Their focus is to educate the employer so that they can based video courses taught by their prominent faculty make the best decision for everyone involved based on including New York-based instructors. NYPTA members all the carriers available in their geographic location. will also have tools to educate patients about their vital role in the rehabilitation process, including a library of Other Benefits of Membership: 3D-animated conditions. • Discounted registration rates for conferences and district iPayment Credit Card Processing continuing education events • Weekly e-newsletter with pertinent, up-to-date information (HotPoints) The New York Physical Therapy Association has • Bi-monthly Empire State Physical Therapy Newsletter partnered with iPayment Inc. to provide credit card • High-profile political representation and lobbying processing services. We are constantly evaluating • Letter templates and access to email messages to send to new partnership opportunities for our members that legislators increase your cash flow by enhancing the core services • Representation at state meetings (i.e. Insurance, Workers Comp, etc.) that are essential to running your business. We selected, • Leadership Development Workshops and endorse iPayment Inc. as our exclusive merchant • Mailing labels at reduced rates – hard copy or excel file services provider. • Access to Continuing Education certificates for NYPTA Sponsored programs – kept on file for 5 years Transamerica Supplemental Benefits Program • Career Center • Access to NYPTA sponsored awards, scholarships and NYPTA has contracted with Transamerica to offer research grants supplemental benefits for our members: • Research platform and poster presentations • Directors’ Intern Program for PT and PTA Students The Critical Illness plan is designed to come to the • Access to Chapter Office Staff rescue of those budget-conscious families by helping • Access to Benefits offered by the APTA http://www.apta. org/benefits/ pay the costs associated with the initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer or other serious illness as defined in the policy. Benefits As an added bonus, a College Tuition Benefit is also offered at no additional cost to you. of Belonging

www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 9 10 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Board of Directors’ Linda Brown Retires Meeting Summaries By Jeremy B. Crow, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, Secretary L i n d a B r o w n , Administrative Assistant at January 24 & 25, 2014 the Chapter office retired Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY on March 21, 2014, after 18 years of service. Linda was On January 24 and 25, 2014 the NYPTA Board of Directors responsible for coordinating (BOD) met in Troy, New York. After brief formalities, the Board all aspects of administration was treated to a presentation by Phil Valeriano, from Wells Fargo of the continuing education Financial Advisors, who made a presentation to the Board on Chapter credits, including tracking Investments. course approvals, course attendees, issuing CE The NYPTA Board of Directors took action on many motions on certificates, and keeping all behalf of the physical therapy membership. While the minutes records for the required time capturing all 5 motions can be found on the chapter website at www. period. She collaborated nypta.org, a few of the highlights are provided here. with association leaders and membership regarding conference The BOD unanimously passed a motion to earmark a maximum of calls, meeting minutes, mailings, special projects, and other $100,000 to support funding to proceed with the recommendation activities as they presented themselves. Linda served as a liaison from the litigation assessment performed by Whiteman, Osterman to the Minority Affairs, Leadership and Awards Committees. Linda and Hanna. greeted Chapter office callers the same way she greeted the staff, with cheery enthusiasm. Her smile, calm demeanor and sense of The BOD approved a motion to extend the Leadership Committee humor will be missed by everyone. We were all lucky to have had Pilot Program for students and new professional leadership the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and thoughtful lady. scholarships in 2014 and 2015. The BOD amended the Chief The best of wishes for an awesome retirement, Linda. Delegate duties in the Board of Directors’ manual by deleting a section to keep the duties in line with current practice.

The final motion voted upon by the BOD approved a motion to oppose the revisions proposed by the New York State Athletic Trainers Association to the Education Law Article 162, Draft 3 Summer 2013 Athletic Training.

NYPTA BOD meetings are typically filled with many important decisions about physical therapy practice in New York. If you need further details on any of these actions or those listed in the minutes, do not hesitate to contact an NYPTA officer or your district leadership to obtain more information or to have your voice heard. We are always open to your input.

October 23 & 24, 2013 Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY

On October 23 and 24, 2013 the NYPTA Board of Directors (BOD) met in Albany, New York. The October meeting is designated as the meeting at which budget decisions for the coming year are discussed and voted upon. After brief formalities, the Board had a discussion lead by the Member-at- Large about the 2014-2016 Strategic Plan process and the President announced that the New York Chapter was the recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Component Award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

continued on page 18 www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 11 12 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Nominating Committee 2014 Candidate Statements

President nearly 6,000 members whose goal is to My strategies for the next three years meet the needs of the educated physical will build upon our organization’s therapy consumer. We provide resources achievements over the past three years. for students, peers and patients, as well as a voice to the legislators and • We must continue to fund the financial support of our PAC. research that is outcome driven in Collectively, we have the ability to effect order to demonstrate to all stakeholders change and make exceptional progress. the value of our services and the cost This is the path forward for NYPTA! savings that can be achieved through our Name: Jeremy Crow, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS interventions. I am humbled by your nomination • I believe that we must strengthen What do you believe are the major for President and am confident in my our partnerships with our educational challenges facing PT in the next three ability to serve. I am eager to celebrate programs and utilize our resources to years? What strategies do you believe NYPTA’s successes as we face these and enhance the students’ understanding of are necessary to face these challenges? other challenges ahead. the value of membership. • We must continue to develop our I believe there are three predominate advocacy and public relations programs challenges facing physical therapy: to bring our message to legislators and the public, and we must also participate 1. NYPTA must educate its in discussions with payers and regulatory members on the impact of the Marketplace agencies regarding payment for our component of the Affordable Care services in all practice settings. Act and engage our legislature to advocate for high-quality, affordable Name: Michael Mattia, PT, DPT, MS, Finally, I have been an active member of access to physical therapy services. MHA this association since 1979. I am a private practitioner, a healthcare administrator 2. NYPTA, in collaboration with What do you believe are the major and an educator. I believe that I possess APTA, has aggressively pursued the challenges facing PT in the next the unique skill set necessary to help us practice of self-referral by physicians three years? What strategies do you to achieve our strategic plan over the and hospitals on behalf of its members, believe are necessary to face these next three years. advocating to close loopholes in challenges? current legislation that threatens independent providers. Education of our As we look forward to the next three years practitioners will bring this infringement the challenges we face as practitioners LOBBY DAY will of the patient’s choice and our and as an association are numerous. I autonomy in practice to the foreground. believe that the ever increasing burden be held on Tuesday, of practice regulation, legislative issues, 3. Payment to providers must payment reform, and maintaining and May 13, 2014 in remain a priority of the NYPTA. growing the Association’s membership Our collective leadership, staff and Albany, NY are the major challenges we will face lobbyists will push for legislation that together. reduces copayments while increasing Plan on spending the day with compensation. Other states’ successes Complex as they are, it is my feeling fellow colleagues meeting NYS in this area will provide invaluable that there is an essential achievable Legislators. insight toward our progress in this area. goal that can help to address these challenges. That goal is to prove we are The strategy to overcome these challenges Registration can be found on line an integral part of the healthcare system is simple: power in membership, action at www.nypta.org/lobbyday or on as practitioners, as a healthcare service, through leadership. New York has page 3 of this newsletter and as an association. www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 13 Nominating Committee 2014 Candidate Statements

Vice President on the National level. Member at chapters in advancing legislation, and as Large to the EC is the most critical a representative of the APTA in putting role I have accepted in relation to my forth positions on the occupational preparedness for this position. Working health practice aspects of our profession. in conjunction with the Chapter EC for a My service activities include leadership one year time frame was invaluable, and roles in external groups, including being the prime motivation behind my run for a member of the Board of the Northern Vice President. It allowed me to see the Area Health Education Centers (part of impact that a cohesive EC can have on a national organization) and President Name: Jeremy Bittel PT, DPT, Cert. the profession, and that is where I see of a chapter of the Human Factors and MDT myself moving into the future. Ergonomics Society. These experiences provided opportunities for me to work How do you feel that your various within the APTA, external to the APTA, roles in the physical therapy and building bridges from the APTA to profession have prepared you for the other professional groups. position of Chapter Vice President?

My first physical therapy position These roles form a strong foundation for was an incredible experience, service as Chapter Vice President, a role offering me exposure to nearly all of vision, experience, and organization. aspects of patient care, leadership, Name: Scott D. Minor, PT, PhD and management. Involvement with early intervention, short term rehab, How do you feel that your various home therapy, occupational medicine, roles in the physical therapy school based therapy, outpatient, and profession have prepared you for the inpatient therapies was invaluable. In position of Chapter Vice President? ten years, I ascended the clinical ladder to Clinical Supervisor of Rehabilitation. Various roles in the profession, and not Name: Tracy Sawyer, PT, DPT This positioned me on the leading just in the Chapter or national level of the edge of patient care, reimbursement, APTA, are important metrics to consider How do you feel that your various and regulatory issues in each of these for an elected officer. environments. For the last three years, roles in the physical therapy profession have prepared you for the I have co-managed an outpatient As Treasurer of the NYPTA, I position of Chapter Vice President? private practice office, and am currently participated in all aspects of Chapter transitioning to clinic ownership. Being activities. Therefore I am familiar I would first like to say that I am very close to patient care, reimbursement and with the goals and Strategic Plan of the pleased and honored to be nominated regulatory issues, and the daily issues Chapter. As a member of the Executive by the members of the NYPTA for the effecting therapists is vital to candidates Committee and Chair of the Finance position of Chapter Vice President. running for this position. Committee I was aware of all committee Thank you. and task force activities, and participated Volunteerism has been crucial to my in supporting the work of committee My career in physical therapy has been professional development. Serving in chairs and members. a variety of District level roles sparked quite diverse, and has allowed me to participate in and experience many progression to the Chapter level, and Beyond service to the NYPTA, I have different aspects and viewpoints of APTA. Chapter roles have included served as a member of the House of this amazing profession. Clinically, Director, Ethics and Finance committees, Delegates and a Chief Delegate, and I have practiced in a number of and numerous other projects. Board of candidate for national office. These settings, including acute and sub-acute Director and committee roles for HPA: activities provide insight into the rehabilitation, outpatient, acute care, The Catalyst provided me opportunities political aspects of the APTA. I have and home care. These experiences have for professional growth and outreach served as a representative of other

14 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Nominating Committee 2014 Candidate Statements provided me with a rich and diverse that experience has driven me towards Speaker working knowledge of physical therapy getting more involved in the profession. practice, as well as allowed me insight Having first-hand experience with the into the ideas and struggles in the obstacles physical therapists have to various settings. I have also practiced face to take their rightful place in the in the academic setting, as a clinical healthcare system has motivated me instructor, as well as a faculty member to personally do everything I can to of a DPT program. This has allowed me better the profession. Over the last 8 to participate in shaping the future of years I have been a Delegate Assembly Physical Therapy professionals, as well delegate 6 times, Brooklyn/Staten Name: Lynn C. Rivers, PT, PhD as provided me with an understanding Island District vice chair, and then of the current and future possibilities Chapter director. Each position has As the Speaker of the Delegate and struggles that our profession may given me a new insight to the workings Assembly you serve as a member of face. I believe this clinical and academic of the Chapter, the association and the the Chapter Board of Directors. What experience has prepared me for the profession as a whole. I am also a long strategies would you use to ensure position of Chapter Vice President by time member of the AIPT and Council that you are fulfilling a leadership allowing me to consider and understand of Licensed Physiotherapists. My time role on the Board? the diverse perspectives of NYPTA on the NYPTA board has shown me members. the formative role that NYPTA takes As an active member of the APTA/ in shaping the profession both locally As speaker of the Delegate Assembly it NYPTA I have had the opportunity to and nationally. I think my experience will be my role to assure that all members serve in many roles at the district, chapter as a clinician and private practice of the NYPTA have a voice and the and national levels. This has afforded owner afford me insights into many of ability to participate in the year round me the opportunity to participate in the struggles that PTs face on a daily governance process which culminates and better understand the operation and basis and my time as an NYPTA board in the Delegate Assembly. Strategies to function of our organization, thereby member give me the understanding of accomplish this will include use of the preparing me for the position of Chapter how to utilize the association’s resources NYPTA forums, active participation at Vice President. to overcome them. It’s this combination Board of Director (BOD) meetings and of experience that makes me uniquely communication to the districts, special suited for the job of NYPTA Vice interest groups, and taskforces. President. As a member of the BOD, it will be important for me to assist the board in NYPTA Board of developing motions that reflect the will of their members and assist the Chapter Directors Meeting in meeting its strategic plan. Name: David Sofer, PT, DPT The next NYPTA Board of I will try to provide guidance to How do you feel that your various Directors’ meeting will be held delegates and chief delegates during the roles in the physical therapy on May 2 -3, 2014, at the window of time between the sending out profession have prepared you Courtyard by Marriott, Saratoga of main motions and the actual delegate for the position of Chapter Vice Springs, New York. Board meet- assembly meeting to assure a robust President? ings are open to all members, discussion/debate of relevant motions who may attend any part or the at the meeting. I will strive to remain I have been a continuous member of entire meeting. Contact Carla informed of activities at the national the NYPTA since my graduation from Stephan, 800-459-4489, at least level which impact the NY chapter and PT school 13 years ago, but it took me one month in advance if you also what resources are available to the a few years to start getting involved plan to attend due to possible Chapter from APTA to assist the Chapter in chapter leadership. I became a space limitations.  in meeting its goals and objectives. private practice owner in 2005 and www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 15 Nominating Committee 2014 Candidate Statements

Nominating is to utilize ones network of contacts the responsibilities of chapter positions Committee Member and personally invite appropriate to effectively convey information to individuals. I have a broad range of membership and prospective candidates. contacts from several aspects of my A potential exists for the Nominating professional life, including clinicians, Committee to act as a conduit between academic faculty, clinical educators, members, district leadership, and researchers, and many others through my candidates via attendance at district years of working with the APTA at the meetings. Physical attendance or state and national level. In particular, my attendance via video web conferencing teaching role provides me with a means provides the opportunity to connect with Name: Hilary B. Greenberger PT, of identifying strong candidates among members and district leadership with a PhD, OCS newly graduating students as they begin concrete point of contact. Nominating their professional career as physical Committee members would be able What opportunities are there for therapists. Encouraging involvement in to answer questions and provide their the nominating committee to this early stage of their career offers the contact information to increase personal encourage districts to participate in Chapter an opportunity to mentor young interaction. I would urge members to the nomination process, and how, professionals into leadership roles. contact me after attendance at their would you, as a member of the meetings in order to guide them through nominating committee, accomplish the process. Members would be more this? likely to consider nomination with a sound understanding, a contact at the My membership in the New York state level, and the sense of district and Chapter for the past 26 years has been state support. Our chapter can only be an important part of my professional enhanced by presenting full slates for life. I would welcome the opportunity elections with representation from all Name: Megan L. O’Brien PT, DPT to continue to serve the Chapter as a districts and I would strive to make this member of the Nominating Committee. a realization through my membership on What opportunities are there for the nominating committee.  the Nominating Committee to I believe there are multiple opportunities encourage districts to participate for the nominating committee to in the nomination process and how encourage individuals in districts across would you, as a member of the the state to run for leadership roles in the Nominating Committee, accomplish chapter. These existing opportunities this? for contact include statewide meetings, to Competent use of social media, and Chapter Professional Services I would strive to enhance district newsletters. As a member of the participation in the nomination process. Nominating Committee, I would first My experience on the district level, as ensure that each of these opportunities Professional misconduct and chairperson, has allowed me exposure includes an invitation to either meet with unlicensed practice of the to the nomination process from the professions are against the law! a member of the Nominating Committee, viewpoint of local leadership. At this or a follow-up contact. I think it is level, we are charged with seeking also important for the Nominating members that are both interested in Committee to reach out to Chapter serving and have the experience and members at national conferences, to skills to hold such positions. This is often meet individuals who may not attend To report suspected cases of professional a challenge as district leadership may not state events. However, I believe that the misconduct or unlicensed practice of the feel they have a full understanding of professions, call 800-442-8106 or best way to identify potential candidates the process involved in nomination and email [email protected].

16 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Judicial/Reference Committee NYPTA PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS The following are proposed bylaw amendments to be considered at the NYPTA Delegate Assembly on may 3, 2014.

FISCAL IMPACT: None #1 Proposed by the Board of Directors #3 Proposed by the Board of Directors Amend NYPTA Bylaws Article VII. Officers, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, A. Officers, 2.c. Tenure, by striking eight Amend NYPTA Bylaws Article VII. Officers, Board of Directors and inserting twelve, so that it reads: and Executive Committee, A. Officers, 2.a. by substitution: c. No person shall serve as an Officer of the Board for more than a. The term of office of all Officers shall be two years or until their twelve consecutive years. successors are elected, and shall become effective immediately following the adjournment of the Assembly at which elected, RATIONALE: Changing the Policy manual from 8 to 12 years except for the following exceptions: would allow an individual who was appointed to fulfill a 1 year i. The Chief Delegate to the Association House of Delegates EC term to run for 4 terms thereafter. Presently if an individual is shall assume the office following the adjournment of the appointed to fulfill a term, they are only able to run for office for Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates in the year elected. 3 terms due to the fact that after 7 years they are unable to run for ii. Newly elected Presidents shall serve in the capacity of their fourth term. President-elect during the period immediately following the adjournment of the Delegate Assembly until the adjournment GOAL/OBJECTIVE: of that year’s annual meeting of the national House of Delegates. TARGET DATE: DA 2014 RATIONALE: With the NYPTA DA occurring in the spring FINANCIAL IMPACT: None between 3-6 weeks before the HOD, the incoming President is asked to represent the Chapter with little to no orientation. Upon the close of the DA the President must within weeks represent the Chapter at #2 Proposed by the Board of Directors the NE caucus, Lobby Day, the Component Leadership meeting, and as a delegate to the HOD.A president elect position would allow for Amend NYPTA Bylaws Article VI. Delegate Assembly, Section a mentoring opportunity during one of the most important times in 2 Composition, C. Qualifications, by addition of new number 3.: the Chapter. This motion would not change the number of Houses a president would serve at, but rather change the timing of those Any individual employed by the APTA, elected to a leadership role Houses to allow for educating the new NYPTA president. in the APTA, or appointed to the Reference Committee is ineligible to serve as a delegate to the NYPTA Delegate Assembly. Current Bylaw: a. The term of office of all Officers shall be two years or until their RATIONALE: The NYPTA Delegate Assembly is a meeting successors are elected, and shall become effective immediately of elected individuals who are the highest governing body of the following the adjournment of the Assembly at which elected, Chapter. Having an employee of the APTA or an elected official except for the Chief Delegate to the Association House of or appointed member of the Reference Committee could create a Delegates who shall assume the office following the adjournment conflict of interest that would compromise the intent of the Delegate of the Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates in the year Assembly. elected.

GOAL/OBJECTIVE: GOAL/OBJECTIVE: TARGET DATE: Delegate Assembly 2014 such that there would TARGET DATE: 2015 Delegate Assembly be a President elect from DA 2014 through HOD 2014.

FINANCIAL IMPACT: None

www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 17 Board of Directors’ Nazareth College Student Meeting Summaries wins APTAs Photo Contest continued from page 11 Bridget M. Teele, a final year DPT student at Nazareth College submitted this photo to APTA 2013 photo contest. In the fall The complete minutes and the 12 motions presented and discussed at of 2013, Bridget solicited photos from faculty and students the meeting can be found on the Chapter website at www.nypta.org. that depicted physical therapy practice, education and research. A few of the highlights are included below: Everyone voted on the top 5 and she submitted them to APTA. This photo is of students working in the Nazareth College on-campus, The BOD passed the NYPTA Strategic Plan for 2014-2016 to a pro-bono clinic as part of their required coursework. It took 3rd special session of the 2013 Delegate Assembly which later approved place. the plan. The complete strategic plan can be found on the Chapter website at www.nypt.org. The BOD and the special DA session also approved the motion to allow New York Chapter to participate in APTA Membership Development Pilot Program which would allow flexibility to participate in the existing APTA pilot to expand the career starter dues over a five-year period.

The BOD passed the 2014 Legislative Plan as proposed to address health care reform, excessive copays, workers compensation, referral for profit, early intervention, state budget, and practice issues. The BOD amended the reimbursement policy meal allotment to $85 per day maximum to reflect current meal costs when traveling for Chapter business.

The BOD passed some bylaw amendments that will be forwarded to the 2014 Delegate Assembly to increase the term limits for Officers of the Board from 8 to 12 years and created a President-elect position to ensure that the President-elect serves as a Chapter Delegate at the House of Delegates. The Board also amended the qualification to serve as district delegates to the Delegate Assembly: any individual employed by the APTA, or currently serving on the APTA Board of Directors, or being appointed to the Reference Committee are ineligible to serve.

The BOD created a Membership Committee as a standing committee with a Chair and at least three additional members. The BOD approved funding to the Leadership Committee’s Advanced Leadership Development Workshop for an initial trial in 2014 as a “special project.”

The BOD voted on two motions to allow the Executive Committee to assemble two task forces: Chris Mitchell, John Crowe, Kari Falter, and Kristen Chambers. 1. To develop a report on current payment trends in New York State and recommended action steps with a report due to the Spring 2014 Board meeting. Office Space to Share 2. To investigate the feasibility of the Chapter seeking legislation 1450 Square Feet that would permit New York State Physical Therapists to order imaging, laboratory tests and prescribe medication and is considered necessary for providers practicing under direct access Manhasset Physical Therapy Associates to fully examine, evaluate and treat patients with an interim report to the Spring 2014 Board meeting. 1350 Northern Boulevard Manhasset, NY 11030 If you need further details on any of these actions or those listed in the minutes, do not hesitate to contact an NYPTA officer or your district leadership to obtain more information or to have your voice heard. We are always open to your input.  516-627-7436

18 | Empire Physical Therapy • March/April, 2014 www.nypta.org Mark Your Calendar Minority Affairs Committee Events scheduled for The Courtyard Marriott Saratoga, New York Spotlight on Students

********* By: Adrian Miranda, PT, DPT, OCS, BOD Meeting Minority Affairs Committee Chair Thursday & Friday, May 1 - 2, 2014 Student Name:

Leadership Development Workshop Ksenia Musiol Friday, May 2, 2014 School attending: Delegate Forum CUNY LaGuardia Friday, May 2, 2014 Community College

Delegate Reception Why did you decide to Friday, May 2, 2014 become a PT/PTA?

Delegate Assembly Beside my background in Saturday, May 3, 2014 helping others I strongly believe that being a physically active person 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. contributed to me choosing a carrier in Physical Therapy. From an early age I became involve in organized gymnastics and dance competitions. To this day I keep myself fit. No matter how hard my day is at school, I still make time to work out or dance every day. President’s Letter How do you think your background helps you as: The Value of Membership a.) A current student? continued from page 2 I was brought up in a very hard working family. Both my parents were always working. As a child I would often go to Going to work does not mean just treating patients anymore; work with my mom who worked as a cook in a nursing home. it also means improving the environment for our patients My parents had only achieved a high school education but both and protecting our profession. We need all PT practitioners, were avid readers that constantly encourage me to read, study educators, administrators and students to join and play an active and get the best grades possible. Little did I know at the time role in order to successfully effectuate the changes we need. that they were doing the best they could to ensure that I had an opportunity to go further in life than they did. So here is my challenge to all members between now and the b.) A future clinician? end of 2014: Convince a non-member to join! If every member Going to work with my mom I quickly became friends with convinces just one non-member to join, then we will end 2014 many of the elderly residents. Many of them were wheelchair in a very strong position to continue to drive the needed changes bound and I thought pushing them around the nursing home for our profession. grounds was the greatest thing. I had no idea I was actually helping them to regain some of their joy, which many of them Leaving Vegas I had heard that a new attendance record was set had let go. It quickly became apparent that I not only enjoyed with over 12,000 participants. Thank you to everyone who took helping the elderly and disabled but I also had a knack for it. the time to say hi to me and spend a few minutes talking about the Association and our profession. It is an honor to serve as Where do you see yourself in 5 years? your NYPTA president and I look forward to our shared future. I leave you this month with the words of Amelia Earhart, “The most Who knows, I do enjoy going to school, I might even continue to difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” pursue an advanced degree in the field.

In Good Health, What is your ultimate goal as a PT/PTA?

My ultimate goal is to help children, especially disabled children. I’d like to help them overcome whatever handicap they are experiencing Matthew Hyland, PT, PhD, MPA so that they may not only succeed in life but they would also enjoy President New York Physical Therapy Association life.  www.nypta.org March/April, 2014 • Empire State Physical Therapy | 19 New York Physical Therapy Association PRSRT STD A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association U.S. POSTAGE 5 Palisades Drive, Suite 330 PAID Albany, NY 12205-1470 Albany, NY Permit No. 370

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