APTA
LookingBack,Moving Forward
Asspringrenewsoursurroundings,APTANew Yorkrenewsitscommitmenttoadvocacy, education,andconnectionacrossour profession Thisissuereflectsonourcollective accomplishmentsin2024 andlooksaheadto theexcitingopportunities,events,andpolicy initiativesshaping2025.
Fromthepassageofkeylegislationand meaningfulprogressondirectaccess,tothe planningofthisyear’sstatewideLobbyDayand AnnualConference,APTANewYorkisbuilding momentumandstrengtheningourvoice.
InThisIssue
ALetterfromthePresident LobbyDayisApril29
MichaelTisbe,PT,DPT,reflectsonrenewal, reconnection,andwhyspringistheperfecttimeto getinvolved
GetreadytomakeyourvoiceheardinAlbanyaswe advocateforPTprioritiesstatewide
2025ConferencePreview Leadership&Engagement
“LifeinMotion:EncouragingExerciseandOptimizing MovementThroughouttheLifespan”comestoAlbanyon June1withkeynotespeakerTimHagueSr
Learnhowyoucanserveasadelegate,joinacommittee, orleadinyourdistrict
BoardUpdates&PublicPolicyWins
Fromstrategicmotionstolegislativemilestones,getthe latestonchapterpriorities
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
“This letter mirrors that same invitation a call to action, an open invitation to PTs and PTAs across New York to reimagine their roles and reconnect with their profession.”
As the years pass, my appreciation for spring has deepened into a recognition of the cyclical passage of time. The weariness of winter gives way to the promise of renewed life; the isolation of dark, damp days transforms into the togetherness of neighbors reconnecting during the first warming days In these moments, we squint into the sunlight, barely recognizing each other after months of solitude
It is during these times that I am often reminded of Robert Frost’s Mending Wall a poem most famously known for the line “Good fences make good neighbors.” However, to me, it is the line “something there is that doesn’t love a wall” that truly captures the essence of spring. Winter, in its cold harshness, has the potential to make us siloed, isolated, and distant Spring, however, mends those divides and brings us back together. It reminds us of the ritual of reconnection the moment when we come together, united, much like Jake and Elwood Blues would say: “We’re getting the band back together!”
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
In many ways, this letter mirrors that same invitation a call to action, an open invitation to Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) across New York to reimagine their roles and reconnect with their profession This spring, there are numerous opportunities to renew your connection to Physical Therapy and rediscover the reasons you chose this path.
“This event highlights our vital role in healthcare and reaffirms our mission: Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.”
For those interested in leadership or simply learning more about how APTA New York operates, we invite you to become a delegate for your district, participate in the Delegate Assembly, or attend the Leadership Development Workshop on Friday, May 30th.
Additionally, for those seeking community and professional development, APTA New York’s Program Committee is hosting a conference on June 1, 2025. The conference will offer 7.5 CEUs and will feature this year’s theme, “Life in Motion: Encouraging Exercise and Optimizing Movement Throughout the Lifespan.” This event highlights our vital role in healthcare and reaffirms our mission: Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society The conference will feature research presentations, specialty roundtable discussions, and a Job & Vendor Fair, offering networking
opportunities with organizations and companies from across the state and nation Additionally, attendees will hear from renowned keynote speaker Tim Hague Sr., whose message is sure to inspire
Opportunities like these abound for us to reconnect and reignite the passion that initially drew us to this profession. Every day, our lives are in motion as we help others achieve what they often do not believe is possible As we embrace the spirit of spring, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how we, as professionals, can continue to support and inspire one another to reach goals we sometimes think are beyond our grasp I extend to you an open invitation to join us in these endeavors. I am reminded of the words of Mother Teresa: “Together, we can do great things ”
2025 APTA NEW YORK PHYSICAL THERAPY CONFERENCE
About Our Conference
The APTA New York Conference, themed “Life in Motion: Encouraging Exercise and Optimizing Movement Throughout the Lifespan,” features expert-led sessions, research presentations, and valuable networking opportunities Don't miss this chance to advance your career and connect with industry leaders!
Our Presenters
Tim Hague Sr. Dr Karen Litzy, PT, DPT Keynote Speaker Continuing Education Session
Trivia Night – Saturday, May 31st!
June 1st, 2025
The Desmond Hotel Albany, NY
Questions?
Email APTA New York Events & Continuing Education Coordinator, Erin Stack, at estack@aptany org
Join us for a fun-filled evening starting at 6:30 PM with hors d'oeuvres and drinks, followed by a fast-paced trivia challenge from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Stick around afterward to mingle and enjoy the night. Don’t miss this chance to test your knowledge and have a great time!
Vendors:
BOD MEETING
Cathy Zacher, PT, DPT APTA New York Secretary
The Winter Board of Directors Meeting was held virtually on January 11, 2025. Below is a summary of the Motions approved and some discussion topics. Please refer to the 2025 Winter BOD draft minutes on the website for more detail.
THEFOLLOWINGMOTIONSWEREAPPROVED:
Approve to Adopt 2025 Public Policy Priorities as printed.
Approval of an overage for the 2025 retainer for Whiteman, Osterman, and Hannah, APTA New York’s Lobbying firm
Approval of $30,000 for WAV Strategies to continue the consultant services for the public policy campaign supporting direct access efforts, working with membership committee on improving member outreach, increasing membership and increasing public awareness of physical therapy services in NYS.
SUMMARYOFGENERATIVEDISCUSSION:
Process for generating public facing/social media for district level activity. Discussion regarding current policy vs practice for social media posts
EC to review current policy and update to bring to Spring BOD meeting following consultation with National and legal. 2025 Conference
Keynote Speaker Tim Hague Sr. and Continuing Education Speaker Karen Litzy confirmed for Conference 2025
Program Chair stated that volunteers will be needed to lead the round table discussions.
Program Committee is also looking for suggestions for vendors and job fair participants.
BOD MEETING
Cathy Zacher, PT, DPT APTA New York Secretary
SUMMARYOFGENERATIVEDISCUSSIONCONTINUED:
Open Archivist Position
o Discussion regarding role of Archivist currently with digitalization of documents/manuals and potential benefits of having position filled.
o Archivist would need to work with Communications Director regarding location of documents, i.e. previous committee rosters, meeting minutes for BOD, committees, award recipients.
PAC Committee Update
Meeting scheduled for 1/14/25
Discussion regarding possibly developing guideline regarding approval of funds with Judicial Reference Chair offering to assist PAC Chair in that process.
Two PAC fundraisers scheduled during Delegate Assembly and Conference. District/Committee Reports
BOD discussed formats for distribution of data.
Reminder to Board that report form is a living document and information can be added at any time, not only right before meetings.
Discussion regarding presentation of data. Continuing Education/Events Coordinator stating that the data presentation (i.e. graphs/charts) can be tailored to the audience.
Upcoming Meeting/Chapter Events Reviewed
Lobby Day, April 29, 2025
EC/BOD/DA/Conference, Thursday, May 29- Sunday, June 1, 2025
BOD meeting (virtual), Friday, October 24, 2025
Access to Health Day, Saturday, October 25, 2025
BOD meeting (virtual), Saturday, January 10, 2026
EC/BOD/DA, Thursday, June 4, 2026-Saturday, June 6, 2026
Lobby Day 2025
MARCIA SPOTO, CHAIR PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
Lobby day will take place this year on April 29 Legislators will be in session on that date, which provides several advantages for advocacy: legislators will be in Albany, they will be focused on policy discussions and our concerns, and there is increased visibility for participants
"LobbyDayis veryimportant forAPTANew Yorkandits membershipin providinga direct opportunityto advocateforthe profession’s interestsand influencetheir decision-making process."
Lobby Day is very important for APTA New York and its membership in providing a direct opportunity to advocate for the profession’s interests and influence their decision-making process By engaging in face-to-face discussions with policymakers, we can build relationships and educate them on key issues, share the practical impacts of legislation, and help shape policies that support physical therapy practice. Lobby Day also strengthens the organization's credibility and visibility, demonstrating a unified voice that policymakers can take seriously. Additionally, it empowers members by giving them a platform to actively participate in the democratic process
APTA New York advocacy, consistent with APTA’s public policy priorities, continues to center around patient access to physical therapist services. This is also consistent with our Access to Health public policy initiative. This year, as in years past, the chapter will advocate for the removal of restrictions to direct access The chapter is also re-introducing an amended bill that would limit co-payments to physical therapist services and newly introducing a bill that would allow for the general supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants
Over the past few years, advocacy efforts on behalf of the chapter have been very successful. For example, in 2022, the PTA licensure bill was enacted along with a bill that requires physicians, before prescribing opioids, to discuss non-pharmacologic pain treatment options
Lobby Day 2025 Cont.
MARCIA SPOTO, CHAIR PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
That same year, an Athletic Training bill, which would have vastly expanded the scope of practice (SOP) of ATs, was defeated – largely due to the chapter’s opposition In 2023, a bill introduced by the chapter which changed the minimal education requirement for PT licensure from a master’s degree to a Doctoral degree, was enacted That same year APTA New York negotiated amendments to the AT SOP bill which helped ward off scope expansion that was viewed as overly broad, extending beyond appropriate qualifications and potentially compromising standards of care. Last year, the chapter’s bill allowing for PTA participation in the Worker’s Compensation system was enacted. In addition, the bill limiting co-payment amounts for PT services was passed in both the senate and assembly. Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the governor later in 2024
Although the veto of the cop-payment bill was a big disappointment, chapter leadership, along with our lobbyist Kate Herlihy, have been working behind the scenes to amend the language in the bill
"Byengagingin face-to-face discussionswith policymakers,we canbuild relationshipsand educatethemon keyissues,share thepractical impactsof legislation,and helpshape policiesthat supportphysical therapypractice."
The bill was recently re-introduced The new version provides for more flexibility for insurers, while maintaining lower co-payment amounts
As members of APTA New York, you have access to resources for lobby day and on the chapter’s legislative agenda: https://aptany.org/page/LobbyDay
Eileen Renaud, Executive Director APTA New York: Erenaud@aptany.org
Marcia Spoto, Chair Public Policy Committee: Mspoto7@naz.edu
Lobby Day is your opportunity to make your voice heard! Join fellow APTA New York members in meeting state senators and assembly members to advocate for legislation that impacts the physical therapy profession.
Whether you’re a seasoned participant or new to Lobby Day, we’ve got you covered! Experienced members will guide firsttimers through the process.
Get the Tools You Need!
Download the NEW APTA ACTION App from your app store and select “New York” to access key legislative materials for a successful meeting.
REGISTER FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL 29 Lobby Day
MAY 29 -
JUNE 1
Leadership Development Workshop/ BOD Meeting/ Delegate Assembly/ Conference
OCT. 24 Board of Directors Meeting
OCT. 25 Access to Health Day
JAN. 1
JUNE 4JUNE 6 Executive Committee/ Board of Directors/ Delegate Assembly Board of Directors Meeting
Find upcoming events in your district:
Long Island District Annual Meeting
WEDNESDAY MAY 14, 2025
We’re holding elections for key volunteer roles and preparing for Delegate Assembly! Join us!
REGISTER NOW
BSI CE Event
MAY 18, 2025
ED to the ICU: Collaborative Care in Rehabilitation in the Acute Setting
In this course, you will understand the collaborative care provided by the rehabilitation team in the acute care setting.
REGISTER NOW
Greater NY District Meeting, Elections & CE Event
MAY 15, 2025
This program explores how mentors in rehabilitation settings can use evidence-based strategies grounded in Reciprocal Determinism to positively influence mentee behavior through trust-building, modeling, feedback, and reflection, while highlighting the powerful impact of mentor behavior on learning outcomes.
REGISTER NOW
Eastern District Planning Meeting
JUNE 18, 2025
Join your Eastern District Executive Board and committee members for our Summer planning meeting! We look forward to hearing from our delegates who attended New York’s Delegate Assembly in May
REGISTER NOW
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TheAPTANewYork Newsletterispublished6 timesperyear
MichaelTisbePT,DPT
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NannetteHylandPT,PhD
AudreyPaslow PT,DPT
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