Urgent Sunset Call to Action

By Jennifer Chuang, SPT

Texas Delegate to the APTA Student Assembly

TSPTA liaison to the TPTA Government Affairs Committee

A couple of weeks ago I published a post to help people understand the Sunset Review and the significance of the impact it can have on Physical Therapy in Texas.  http://tsptablog.blogspot.com/2016/06/if-youre-not-at-table-youre-on-menu_15.html

There is now a Call To Action regarding the Sunset Commission hearing on June 23rd!!! The TPTA needs to gather as many comments as possible over the next few days before the hearing. Anyone who wants to participate in this call to action is welcome. We need to show the legislators that physical therapy has a voice and it is loud.

What you need to know:

·     The Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report has recommendations that will be addressed during the Sunset Commission Deliberation. The TPTA “Supports” some of these suggestions and “Opposes” some of these suggestions. Here are the TPTA's comments on the recommendations.

·      It is important to understand that the recommendations are made to the Texas Legislature to decide on. This means that the decisions are made by officials that are elected by Texans.

·      Part of the process is consideration of public input. It is important to let our elected officials know what we, the public, professionals, and future professionals have to say about Physical Therapy.

What you need to do:

Submit input online Before this Thursday!

https://www.sunset.texas.gov/input-form-public?agency=TEXAS%20BOARD%20PHYSICAL%20THERAPY%20EXAMINERS

This is a screen shot of the form:

Help for Comments:

It is strongly advised that you use your own words, but suggestions have been provided in the TPTA's Call to Action email:

·       Who you are, where you practice, and how long you have practiced in the State of Texas

·       A statement that you are representing only yourself as a Physical Therapy professional

·       A statement of SUPPORT for the Sunset Commission’s recommendation that the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners join the national Licensure Compact written in your own words.

o   Example: This arrangement would allow for reciprocity of licensure across state lines and facilitate the ability of PT’s and PTA’s to move from state-to-state without having to jump through state-based licensure impediments.

·       A statement to OPPOSE the recommendation to strip the Continuing Competence Approval Program (CCAP) program administration away from the TPTA and the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) as well as a statement to OPPOSE the recommendation to remove the statutory authority (law) that would prohibit the TBPTE from engaging in any future such arrangements, written in your own words.  

o   Example: CCAP is a collaborative program between the TBPTE and the TPTA. CCAP involves 109 doctoral trained Physical Therapy professionals representing 22 distinct medical specialty areas using a double-blind professional review process.  The CCAP program insures the very purpose for which the TBPTE exists - providing for public protection.

 You may also refer to email from TPTA, subject: TPTA Members: Take Action by Thursday 6/23!

This is your chance to show our legislators what PT means to you. Don't put this off! It is our future and we need to speak up for it.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to comment on this blog or email me at tspta.ptdelegate@gmail.com.