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New Legislative Priorities by APTA for 119th Congress

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has taken a significant step forward by outlining a robust set of public policy priorities designed for the 119th Congress. This initiative is pivotal in underscoring the vital functions of physical therapy within the U.S. health care system. The APTA’s document, titled APTA Public Policy Priorities 2025-26, emphasizes proactive advocacy focusing on essential legislative issues that directly affect physical therapists and their patients, particularly through the reform of Medicare payments.

APTA’s Vice President Skye Donovan highlighted that advocating for improved Medicare payment rates and pursuing thorough reforms of the Medicare fee schedule remain top priorities. “Updating our policy framework is crucial for determining our resource allocation and for initiating substantive dialogues with lawmakers and insurance providers. These priorities will empower us to effectively address the healthcare challenges faced by all Americans,” Donovan stated.

This publication aligns with APTA’s practice of setting policy priorities at the onset of new congressional sessions, ensuring that the needs of physiotherapists are front and center. For the 2025-26 session, the focal points are multiple and broad in scope:

1. Patient Access and Care
2. Population Health and Social Determinants
3. Value-Based Care and Practice
4. Research and Clinical Innovation

These priorities reflect the ongoing advancements in the profession, addressing current challenges and the evolving healthcare landscape. They serve as a strategic guide for future health policies, emphasizing areas such as reducing administrative burdens, enhancing preventive care investments, and increasing funding directed at research efforts involving physical therapy services.

Furthermore, APTA aims to establish physical therapists’ roles as gateways to effective healthcare, ensuring that they are integral parts of the overall medical team. The association's comprehensive agenda not only advocates for timely reforms but also aims to incorporate physical therapists more deeply into outcome and quality measure developments, marking a fundamental shift towards a more integrated healthcare approach.

APTA President Kyle Covington encouraged all association members to actively engage in these advocacy efforts. He noted, “It is important to realize that advocacy success requires time and persistence; changes in legislation often take months, or even years, of dedicated effort.” He emphasized that the newly released policy priorities are crucial resources that reinforce the mission of the APTA in navigating the legislative landscape effectively.

The APTA represents a community exceeding 100,000 physical therapy professionals and students throughout the country. To explore the details of their policy endeavors and contributions to healthcare, visit their official website at apta.org.

In conclusion, the APTA’s unveiling of its public policy priorities signals a determined commitment to enhance physical therapy’s impact on patient care in the U.S. healthcare system. With an engaged membership and a clear plan for advocacy, the APTA is poised to drive significant improvements in public health and the profession itself as the 119th Congress progresses.