September/October, 2018 Volume L, NO. 23
Empire State Physical
Therapy
The O fficia l N e ws l et t e r o f t h e Ne w York Phy si cal The rapy A ssoci at io n , In c. oB
IN THIS ISSUE
NYPTA Continues to Call for Changes in the Workers' Compensation System Cover Story (page 1, 3)
APTA & NYPTA are Working to Promote our Profession President’s Letter (page 2, 4)
2018 PTA Caucus Business Meeting Summary (page 5-6)
NYPTA Continues to Call for Changes in the Workers' Compensation System By Kelly Garceau, NYPTA Executive Director
(page 7)
NYPTA Continues to Call for Changes in the Workers’ Compensation System.
Member Spotlight: Maureen Becker, PT, DHSc
As you may be aware, NYPTA has been very active on the Workers’ Compensation front.
NYPT PAC Update
(page 8-9)
Nomination Forms (page 10-12)
2018 House of Delegates Report (page 14)
National PT Month (page 15)
Member Spotlight: Vicki Wilkins, PT, DPT (page 16-17)
In May 2018 the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board announced plans to increase the Medical Fee Schedule for health care providers in New York. NYPTA submitted comments on the proposal in July, thanking the Board for their comprehensive review and the process that the Board engaged in, and pointing out areas where improvement could be realized. The Board is currently reviewing comments and should be releasing revised regulations in the near future. In early September, NYPTA issued a press release rolling out the Injured Worker Opioid Alternative Initiative, which calls for a change to the Workers’ Compensation System in New York. This initiative encourages referral to physical therapy services rather than prescribing opioid medications. The plan is based on years of independent research and is consistent with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent study by the NYS Department of Health shows that opioid overdose death rates have more than doubled since
Golden Goniometer Contest (page 21) www.nypta.org
continued on page 3
September/October, 2018 • Empire State Physical Therapy 1