We are thrilled to share the exciting progress APTA-MT made during the first week of the 2025 legislative session! Your continued support and involvement are essential, and we're grateful for your commitment to helping us drive our efforts forward. PLEASE SEE ITEM #4 BELOW!! 

Here are some key highlights:

Montana State Chamber Business Capital Days

Last week, APTA-MT President Emily Herndon and Vice President Sam Schmidt represented us at the Montana State Chamber Business Capital Days. Emily participated in a panel discussing the challenges of running a small business in a rural setting, highlighting how Medicaid affects both her business and employees. Emily and Sam also attended the Lawmakers Reception, connecting with legislators and advocating for the importance of physical therapy. APTA-MT lobbyist Scott Boulanger played a crucial role in facilitating these connections throughout the event.

2025 Hill Day

What an incredible Hill Day! APTA-MT, along with co-hosts OT and SLP associations, had a fantastic turnout, with the Rotunda packed for a lively luncheon and successful legislative meetings. Our members met with legislators to discuss two key bills we're sponsoring and why their support is critical. APTA-MT lobbyist Scott Boulanger called it a "solid 10/10" event, and we're hearing positive feedback from many legislators. We were grateful to see three PTs put in the miles to get to hill day - Stephanie Weyrauch, Jon Carling, and Brent Denisar Green - all who car pooled from Billings early Friday morning to make the event then headed home afterwards. Truly all attendees had to take time away from work and family to make the journey to Helena near or far so thank you all for your dedication and efforts to the PT profession! It was an amazing group of folks showing up to support the APTA-MTs legislative efforts!

A special shoutout to all the UM PT students, led by Bryce Harrington, who represented APTA-MT at Hill Day. Your energy and enthusiasm were contagious!

Direct Access to PT for Work-Related Injuries Bill (SB109)


We're excited to announce the introduction of SB109, which would add Physical Therapists to the list of treating providers for work-related injuries. This bill allows individuals to access physical therapy directly, streamlining care. The bill has been assigned to the Business and Labor Committee, and we'll keep you updated on opportunities to testify in support of this important initiative.

 

Thank you all for your ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. Together, we are making a real impact in Montana!

Warmly,
Sam Schmidt, APTA MT VP/Leg Comm Chair

 

 
Read the latest update

Contact Your Elected Officials

 
 
Montana Congressional Delegation
U.S. Representative
Matt Rosendale
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
1037 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3211
 
Contact
U.S. Representative
Ryan Zinke
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
512 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2601
Phone: (202) 225-5628
 
Contact
U.S. Senator
Steve Daines
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-9412
Fax: (202) 224-9412
 
Contact
U.S. Senator
Tim Sheehy
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
724 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2644
Fax: (202) 224-8594
 
Contact
 

State and Federal Advocacy Alerts and Updates are sent from APTA and from APTA MT to members.

We invite all non-member PTs and PTAs to join us in these action items.

Advocacy Issues Impacting Our Profession and Patients

 
 Through lobbying, grassroots, and regulatory advocacy, APTA shapes policy on the issues that impact our profession and the patients and clients we serve. These issues include: Medicare Fee Schedule, Telehealth, Education and Workforce Legislation, Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B, Administrative Burden, Direct Access, Essential Health Benefits, Fair Physical Therapy Copays, Health Information Technology, IDEA and ESSA, Locum Tenens in Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Opt-Out, Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, State Advocacy for Imaging Orders by Physical Therapist, PTs' Ability to Certify for Disability Parking Placards and License Plates, Safe Pain Management Advocacy, Term and Title Protection Advocacy.
To learn about the issues other APTA state chapters are engaged with check out our APTA State Advocacy Map (members only). APTA's State Advocacy Map is a dynamic tool designed to offer a comprehensive overview of each APTA state chapter that reported state legislative initiatives of interest to the PT profession during the 2024 legislative season. Members can seamlessly navigate through the widget map to discern whether a state chapter supports, opposes, or is neutral on a bill. The interactive tool also allows members to view bill text, current bill status, and more, as well as sign-up to receive alerts and updates on specific state bills
 

APTA 2023-2024 Public Policy Priorities (National)

 
America's health care system faces historic challenges. The physical therapy profession can take them on.

APTA's biannual statements of our public policy priorities help us deliver our message to federal legislators and policymakers on the role of physical therapy in the U.S. health care system. They provide decisionmakers with an easy-to-understand roadmap of where we think our country needs to go and serve as a starting place for deeper conversations on needed reforms.

With the start of the 118th Congress, the "APTA Public Policy Priorities, 2023-2024" is focused squarely on issues relevant to federal legislators and is distributed to all lawmakers in Capitol Hill as well as to federal agencies including CMS.

Visit this page at APTA to watch a short video on the purpose of these advocacy aims and for a visual handout of these talking points.