A Message From Your Chief Delegate

The 2026 APTA House of Delegates met July 12–13 in Portland, Oregon, where delegates considered 32 main motions aimed at shaping the future of physical therapy practice, payment and advocacy.

The primary business of the July 2026 session focused on payer advocacy, workforce support and expanding recognition of the profession’s legislative scope.

Illinois was represented in full force, with all 16 delegates and one alternate in attendance. I want to thank every member of the Illinois Delegation for their hard work, dedication and service to the profession.

Thank you to those who represented Illinois this year.

Thank you to all those who served as Delegatest this year: District Delegates: Sara Scholtes, PT (East Central); Kristin Christian, PT (North Central), Jennifer Ryan, PT (Northern), Jaime Fortier-Jones, PT (Southern), Tricia Saylor, PT (Western), At-Large Delegates: Patrick Withrow, PT; Sarah Haag, PT; Oliver Rivera, PT; Babette Sanders, PT; Karen Goodlow, PT; Mike Riley, Jr, PT; Sara Owens, PTA; Tina Jonas, PT; Michelle Kujawa, PT; and Tina Frank, PT (President). Alternate Delegates: Chris Hagan, PT; and Joe Hanley, PT. Jeannette Saak, PTA who represented Illinois in the PTA Council.  

Highlights From the 2026 House

While the complete language of the adopted motions will undergo final review and indexing, the following are highlights from several of the 32 motions considered by the House.

The decisions made by the House of Delegates influence APTA’s advocacy efforts, payment policies, professional standards and the future direction of physical therapy nationwide. Thank you to every member of the Illinois Delegation for dedicating their time and expertise to representing Illinois and ensuring our members continue to have a strong voice within APTA. 

The Illinois Delegation’s work continues through the fall as we prepare for the APTA national elections. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact me. Your Chief Delegate, Jeffrey A. Damaschke, PT, DPT, PhD, FNAP

Chapter, District and SIG Elections: Results are in!

Thank you to our Chapter and District Nominating Committees, members who voted in this year's elections, and a special thank you to all of those who were slated for positions.

The results are in, and it's time to meet your future leaders!

Over the years, these elected positions have been filled with dedicated individuals who want to volunteer their time to serve you, their colleagues and classmates.

Note that Assembly PT and PTA Representatives will be determined by July 1st. District allocation of Assembly Representatives is based on membership numbers from the month elections are held. As elections were held in May, we will not receive the membership numbers from APTA until mid-June.

Welcome Student SIG Leaders!

Meet your newly elected student SIG leaders, who have officially taken office as of June 1st. An orientation will be held next week. Get to know your new student leaders here.

2026 Elections: Slates Announced & Second Call for Nominations

The Nominating Committees – both Chapter and Districts – help to facilitate the development of a slate of candidates to present to the membership.

We are very pleased to announce that the 2026 Chapter, District, and SIG (Students, Geri, CE) slates are now available for the membership to view.

Second Call for Nominations Deadline: 11:59 pm, Thursday, April 30th.

Just in case you missed your chance to declare your interest or nominate a fellow member, this is your last chance to do so for this election! Instructions on how to submit nominations - or declare your own interest - are posted on the top of each slate pages.

Graduating Students

You are eligible to run for both Chapter and District positions, if you will have graduated by December 31, 2026. Learn more about the positions and get involved in your professional association here: www.ipta.org/page/2026Elections its never too early to start!

Voting for the Chapter/ District/ SIG Elections opens on May 5th and will close at 11:59pm on May 19th. Results will be published on June 2nd and those elected into position will take office on January 1st, 2027. Students will take office on June 1, 2026.

Through the IPTA Assembly of Representatives you have opportunities to strengthen and advance the ethical and professional best practice of physical therapy in Illinois.

In accordance with Article XIII, Sec. 4 of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association Bylaws, the IPTA hereby announces that amendments to the Chapter Bylaws will be brought before the Assembly of Representatives on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

All members may access and comment on the motions through the 2026 Member Motion Discussion Forum (www.ipta.org/2026AssemblyMotions) or click the box below.

If you have questions regarding 2026 Assembly motions, you may contact a member of Reference Committee:

Julie Rosen, PT | Speaker of the Assembly
Robbie O'Shea, PT | Vice Speaker of the Assembly
Barbara Gutierrez, PT | Secretary of the Assembly
Karen Goodlow, PT | Reference Committee Member
Patrick Withrow, PT | Reference Committee Member
Jeanne O'Neil McCoy, PT | Reference Committee Member

In preparation for the Assembly of Representatives, ALL members are encourage to reach out to their district representatives with questions and concerns on this year's motions. Every voice matters and your representatives need your feedback in order to vote accordingly.

Assembly Updates

The 2026 Assembly of Representatives will be virtually held on Sat, April 18th, 2026 (9am-1pm) and is open to all members. Registration is now open!

Virtual Assembly Motion Discussion

TONIGHT: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 (7-8:30 PM)

All members are invited to join us TONIGHT, Tuesday, February 3rd (7-8:30PM) for a virtual forum to discuss potential motions that will brought forth at the 2026 Assembly of Representatives. Zoom log in information has been posted on the calendar event page.

This virtual motion discussion forum gives you the opportunity to hear potential motions, ask questions, and seek further information. 

All members also have access to the 2026 Assembly Motion Discussion blog, to post, comment, and review motion concepts and ideas.

Call for 2026 Motions: Deadline is February 15th

Assembly Motions may be submitted by the Board of Directors, Districts, Committees, Special Interest groups or - individual members, like yourself. Every motion starts with an idea! Learn more about how you can turn your idea into a motion by clicking below.

All motions need to be submitted to the Reference Committee in advance of the Assembly (deadline to submit draft motions is February 15th). This early action will allow all motions to be thoroughly reviewed and prepared for Assembly Representatives to have time to discuss and understand all potential impacts for the motion.

Assembly Updates

The 2026 Assembly of Representatives will be virtually held on Sat, April 18th, 2026 (9am-1pm) and is open to all members. Registration will open on January 13th.

Call for 2026 Assembly Motions

As IPTA members, the power to create change and set goals for the association – and the physical therapy profession - lies within the Assembly.  Its time for you to start thinking about what those goals should be – and share those ideas with your elected Assembly Representatives. 

Assembly Motions may be submitted by the Board of Directors, Districts, Committees, Special Interest groups or - individual members, like yourself.

Every motion starts with an idea! Learn more about how you can turn your idea into a motion by clicking below.

All motions need to be submitted to the Reference Committee in advance of the Assembly (deadline to submit draft motions is February 15th). This early action will allow all motions to be thoroughly reviewed and prepared for Assembly Representatives to have time to discuss and understand all potential impacts for the motion.

Assembly Representative Orientation

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (7-8:30 PM)

For new Representatives or those who would like a refresher, Speaker of the Assembly, Julie Rosen, PT will host an orientation zoom meeting next week. All representatives are encouraged to participate in this orientation, which will provide information on motion development, role and responsibilities of Representatives, and an insight on what to expect for the virtual 2026 Assembly.

Per the outcomes from the 2025 elections, Click here to see who is serving as Representatives in 2026. If you are unable to attend the Assembly on April 18th, 2026, please contact your District Chair so that they may reach out to any district alternates.

As result from the District elections, which took place this past June, we are happy to announce the list of members who have been elected to serve as Representatives in the 2026 Assembly.

During the 2025 Assembly of Representatives, Representatives deliberated and voted to pass SRA 0517/01-25 Short Title: Assembly Apportionment, which reduced the size of the Assembly by modifying the representation ratio from 1 PT Representative per 15 members in their district to: 1 PT Representative for every 20 PT members in their district, with the same adjustment applied to PTA district representatives.

Calculation of District's apportionment of Representatives is based on Chapter membership from the month in which elections are held (June 2025), with 1 PT representative for each 20 PT members in their district, and 1 PTA representative for every 20 PTA members in their district.

The 2026 Assembly of Representatives will take place virtually on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. All Assembly Representatives MUST attend this meeting.

IPTA BYLAWS REVISED TO MEET APTA REQUIREMENTS

In 2021 APTA adopted changes in their bylaws, which in turn required all components to take action by 2024 on making their own bylaws consistent with the model language and content under a federated model.

In 2022 the IPTA Board of Directors appointed members to a Bylaw Review Committee. Since then, the group has met monthly for discussion on implementing the conforming changes needed to meet the requirements that APTA has set. 

During their final meeting of 2023, the IPTA Board of Directors approved the conforming changes to our Bylaws to meet the necessary edits required by the APTA. Please note, that they are pending approval by the APTA Board of Directors, and will undergo parliamentary review.

Nothing was changed regarding the intent of the Bylaws – only editorial, which includes: a reorder of the bylaw sections to be consistent with the order of APTA’s; eliminating redundant statements that were previously addressed in other sections; defining member types vs member dues categories; and correcting proper names (i.e PTA Caucus vs PTA Council).

There are more necessary changes that will be presented as motions to Representatives at our 2024 Assembly (Sat. April 27th). You can view and comment on those draft motions, prepared by the Bylaw Review Committee, in the 2024 Assembly Motion discussion blog.

As 2023 is shortly coming to an end, the IPTA begins the transition of new leaders serving on IPTA's Board of Directors in 2024.

IPTA texted with Sarah Keller, PT who returns as a member of IPTA's Board of Directors, but taking on a new role as Chief Delegate (2024-2025).

From your experience of being a Delegate, why is it important we have a strong delegation representing Illinois at the House of Delegates?

(Keller): The House of Delegates is the primary decision making body of our professional Association. For years, Illinois has had a strong delegation recognized for its preparation, insight, and engagement with the motions brought to the House and the proceedings of the House. It is extremely important for Illinois to continue to have an engaged representation as it increases our awareness of the concerns of our profession, improves our ability to engage with other groups across the nation, and assists us in properly representing the members of the IPTA.

Why did you want to be Chief Delegate?

(Keller): I have extremely enjoyed my years as a Delegate in both representing members of the IPTA and the discussions and interactions in our own Delegation and with others across the nation. I have had multiple phenomenal Chief Delegates that I have served under as a Delegate. I want to continue to provide the leadership and support to the Illinois Delegation in order to best serve the members of IPTA. I want to continue to develop new members of the Delegation in their preparation for the House and support all members to have a voice at this important level in our professional Association. I have also felt strongly in the need for members to have a voice in the Association and I hope to continue to empower the members of our Delegation to have a voice at the national level.

If you had the attention of all the Members, what message would you like to convey?

(Keller): Find something that interests you in the professional association and get involved. Even if you are a new graduate, even if you have never served in any role before, even if you only have a little time to volunteer….. get involved. The Association thrives when its members are active participants. The needs of our professional community get met when people gather and talk about the struggles they are facing. The IPTA has great people to work with and you will gain friends, mentors, and experiences that will help you grow professionally.

MEET A MEMBER(s): Your IPTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Co-Chairs

The IPTA is proud of its numerous committees who work hard toward advancing the physical therapy profession, especially in education and clinical practice.

IPTA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is led by members Dawn S. Brown, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS and Kimberly Tarver, PT, MPH. The DEI Committee was established in 2021 with the charge to promote and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion within the physical therapy profession, and promote a sense of belongingness among all stakeholders in physical therapy and reflect the communities we serve to provide them with optimal care.

We interviewed our Committee Co-Chairs to talk about some of the work the DEI Committee has already started - and future initiatives of this group.

Why are the efforts of the DEI Committee important to the IPTA and the larger physical therapy profession?

Dawn Brown: "Diversity constitutes many different sociocultural identities and should be recognized as such to create change and opportunity. Diversity, along with equity and inclusion (DEI) are the foundation from which all other initiatives should flow. Without attentiveness to DEI, how can we expect our physical therapy profession to thrive and meet the needs of its educators, clinicians, students, and patients? The IPTA DEI Committee has goals to promote and sustain DEI and anti-racism with our profession, to promote a sense of belongingness among all stakeholders, and reflect the community we serve to provide them with optimal care." Kim Tarver: "In 2016, I learned that in the state of Illinois, of all students graduating in allied health career programs from community colleges, only 11% were students of color. This was shocking to me. Not only do students not “see” themselves in the classroom, they don't see themselves amongst the faculty, or represented in the clinicians serving as their clinical instructors or their future colleagues, but patients don’t see themselves either, and neither do potential future students. In order to educate future clinicians and meet the physical therapy needs of the populations of people we serve, we must all become more aware of the impact of gender identity, race, ethnicity, ability, and lived experiences on our capacity to educate, treat and advocate."

Dawn Brown, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS Assistant Professor at Governors State University Co Chair of IPTA's DEI Committee

How does the DEI Committee determine information and initiatives that are important to physical therapy educators, clinicians, and students?

What are some of the current and past initiatives of the DEI Committee?

Dawn Brown: "Currently DEI Committee Workgroups are working with the IPTA staff to develop the DEI webpage on the IPTA website, creating the Implicit Bias Training Module which will roll out in January 2023, revising the DEI Scholarship process, developing criteria for proposal reviewers, and preparing a motion for the 2023 Assembly. We have successfully collaborated with the iMAP Committee to modify their application so that mentors and protegees who may have a preference regarding the sociocultural identity of their match can select accordingly, and DEI Committee members completed an implicit bias panel discussion in collaboration with the SSIG."

Kim Tarver: "I am so excited about the team of professionals who volunteered to serve on this committee. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the opportunities before us. Our challenge is to focus on a few key areas that will have broad impact and may serve as a foundation for initiatives going forward.

One initiative that I’m really excited about is developing guidelines for IPTA sponsored continuing education. We’re hoping to establish criteria for proposal reviewers and attestation to foster best practices to ensure accessibility, diverse representation and inclusive language in professional education offered through the IPTA. To me, these elements are just as important as expecting presenters to reference evidence-based research in their presentations.

Our committee has a workgroup focused on meeting the “Implicit Bias Training” licensure requirement. We’re also aware that the IPTA website is in need of a page that provides DEI resources and materials for our members. Ideally, DEI will be integrated in every aspect of all that we do."

If you had the attention of the IPTA community, what message would you like to convey about DEI?

Dawn Brown: "Diversity, equity, and inclusion and anti-racism should not be an afterthought, but should be woven throughout any organization, including the IPTA. DEI and anti-racism are the foundation that supports EVERYTHING that we do as physical therapy professionals. DEI and anti-racism initiatives can reduce barriers to leadership, education, employment, and patient access, and promote trust and sharing of social capital for the betterment of all. Representation matters!"

Kim Tarver: "I would like every educator, every clinician, and every administrator or leader to ask questions about the potential impact of gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religion and lived experiences on their interactions with students, patients, colleagues, and co-workers. I would challenge our community to consider the IPTA mission and vision with an equity lens.

Mission: The IPTA strives to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for the people in Illinois through physical therapy.
Vision: Revitalizing society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.

How does an “equity lens” change your interpretation of our mission and vision statements? Does “the people in Illinois” include people of all abilities, ethnicities, gender identities, different cultures and faith perspectives? If it does, what steps or resources do you need to be effective or improve your awareness and understanding? Does revitalizing society take into consideration all social determinants of health? What do you need to know about the human experience of folks who have lived experiences that are not familiar to you? Lifelong learning is key to answering these questions. The more I think I know, the more I realize how much I have yet to learn. I know the IPTA can play an important role in helping all of us to don a new lens, an equity lens, to help each of us see things we could not see before."

During the meeting, IPTA President, Tina Frank, PT provided an oral report to Assembly Representatives. A recording of this report has been provided below for all members to view and provide any comments.

MEET A MEMBER(s): 2022 Ethics Committee Members

We interviewed our 2022 Ethics Committee members: Sarah Keller, PT, DPT, NCS (Chair) and Ann Jackson, PT, DPT to talk about telehealth practice,  implicit bias training and the APTA Code of Ethics; and welcome newly appointed committee member Demetra John, PT, DPT.

Sarah, this isn't your first rodeo when it comes to chairing the Ethics committee. From your experience, we are hoping you can give some advice on new issues impacting physical therapy. When the Governor signed Emergency Orders providing for the use of telehealth at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it raised a lot of concerns about unethical conduct by health care providers, particularly by insurers who were felt that it would lead to overbilling, overutilization, and an increase in insurance fraud. Based on the new permanent telehealth laws, do you have any simple advice for PTs who are thinking about providing telehealth to help them avoid any pitfalls that could fall under unethical conduct? Keller: I am excited to be on the Ethics Committee for my sixth and final year and to be working closely with Ann and Demetra. We hope to be able to provide guidance and a safe space to discuss the ethical challenges we all face in our profession. With the rapid changes and the Emergency Order allowing for the use of Telehealth at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were so many unknowns and with unknowns often come fears and potential for inappropriate use. We are now two years past the start of the pandemic and there is a lot more information available about rules guiding appropriate use of telehealth, as well as education to develop one’s skills at providing therapy via a telehealth model. As with most things I think there are legal, ethical, and best practice components therapists should be aware of.

Sarah Keller, PT, DPT, NCS Ethics Committee Chair (2022)

First and foremost, any therapist providing telehealth should be aware of the rules and laws governing practice of telehealth in the state, practice of PT in the state of practice, licensure requirements, and reimbursement requirements for billable services.  Next, remember the Code of Ethics applies to all Physical Therapists and all Physical Therapy services. Certain items of the Code of Ethics that speak specifically to fraud and overutilization include:

7B. Physical therapists shall seek remuneration as is deserved and reasonable for physical therapist services.
8C. Physical therapists shall be responsible stewards of health care resources and shall avoid overutilization or under- utilization of physical therapist services.

The final thing therapists should consider is best practice.  Is telehealth the correct medium to provide services to this individual?  Will you be as effective of a therapist in meeting the patient’s goals via telehealth? What is your own personal experience and comfort level with treating patients via telehealth?  Telehealth is simply another tool in the therapist toolbox, but like any evaluation/treatment technique it takes experience to become skilled at it.  Since the pandemic a significant amount of Continuing Education has been developed regarding care delivery via telehealth that could enhance your knowledge and effectiveness in providing care via this method, the APTA Telehealth Certificate series for example.  Therapists should remember that the Code of Ethics states that we will make judgements in the patient’s best interest in all settings, and that includes choosing in person vs. telehealth and the delivery of services via telehealth for a given patient and condition.

Those moments are opportunities for learning and demonstrate the intersectionality between bias and ethical conduct.  By providing a guided exploration of who we are as individuals and what has shaped us through implicit bias training, we are better able to confidently demonstrate our 9 core values of our profession: accountability, altruism, collaboration, compassion/caring, duty, excellence, inclusion, integrity, and social responsibility. 

Demetra, This is your first year on the Ethics Committee.  How do you think your background has prepared you for serving on the Ethics Committee? John: I have always had an interest in ethics from a broad perspective. Ethics are part of our daily lives and daily decision making processes. We typically don’t realize we are acting based on our internal moral compasses until we are confronted by a more egregious ethical dilemma. So for me, ethics is about my role in my family, my profession, but also about my obligations to my community and all of society. I really think the APTA captured this more comprehensive definition in the Code of Ethics. I am now retired after spending more than 30 years at UIC in faculty and administrative roles. My particular areas of academic interest in ethics include providing pro bono services to the uninsured, examining power and access imbalances that patients encounter in healthcare, and examining our own implicit biases in how we provide care. I am honored to be named to the Ethics Committee and look forward to working with such a talented team of colleagues!

Demetra John, PT, PhD Ethics Committee Member (2022-2024)

 IPTA’s Ethics Committee is comprised of three appointed members who help to promote the ethical practice of physical therapy by ensuring that education, information and resources relating to ethics and ethical practice are available to our members.

MEET A MEMBER(s): New members on IPTA's Board of Directors

The IPTA is proud of members who are working hard towards advancing the physical therapy profession.

It's the start of the New Year - and we are pleased to welcome new leaders on IPTA's Board of Directors (BOD). The BOD has appointed Samantha Caravette, PT to serve as IPTA's Secretary (2022), as well as Secretary of the Illinois Physical Therapy Foundation (IPTF). Barbara Gutierrez, PT was elected to serve as Chair of the North Central District (2022-2023).

We interviewed Samantha and Barbara to get to know a little more about these incoming leaders.

Sam, What inspired you to become a Physical Therapist? Caravette: When I was in high school, my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer and went through a very lengthy stay in the ICU following surgery to remove half of his lung. In the following years, my grandmother was also diagnosed with lung cancer and unfortunately passed away during my sophomore year of college. At the time and due to my experience with their medical obstacles, I was studying biology as a pre-med student. As a future healthcare professional, I envisioned myself supporting patients through, possibly, the most difficult time in their lives. The more I thought about what I wanted out of the medical field, the more I was drawn to the physical therapy profession because of its dynamic, ambitious, and compassionate nature. Medicine may add years to your life but PTs add life to those years! Dr. Caravette is no stranger to serving in IPTA leadership. As a DPT student at UIC, Sam was elected as our Student SIG President, and was also recognized as IPTA's PT Student of the Year. How do you think being on the IPTA’s Executive Committee will differ from your previous experience on the SSIG? Caravette: The stakes definitely feel higher. As a student, you have the luxury of deferring to Executive Board, especially when school and other obligations take precedence. I am truly honored to  serve along side such experienced and well-respected PTs and PTAs. I consider myself a lifelong learner so I am very eager to develop a greater insight into the inner workings of physical therapy in Illinois and hopefully make a positive impact on the future of our profession.

Samantha Caravette, PT, DPT IPTA Secretary (2022)

And finally, we asked: If you had the attention of all our members, what message would you like to convey?

Caravette: Make the most of your membership. As I say to my patients, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” This is true for our organization as well. Change comes from hard work, determination, and the collective effort of active members. We all want what’s best for our profession and we need to work together to achieve greatness.

Gutierrez: Please take advantage of all of the benefits of APTA/IPTA membership, in terms of representation, education, networking, and more. Member engagement keeps our organization vibrant. Be involved, and tell your friends.

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating these new leaders into their roles!

MEET A MEMBER: Tina Frank, PT, MBA, Incoming IPTA President

The IPTA is proud of members who are working hard towards advancing the physical therapy profession.

2022 is just around the corner, and with the new year comes transitions in IPTA Leadership.

What do you see as IPTA’s top priority as you move into your role as President?

Frank: Fair payment for services. We are in a tough position as reimbursements are declining and costs are increasing. Through my experience on the IDFPR's PT licensing and disciplinary board, I realize that insurance fraud whether by greed or lack of knowledge is a growing problem. We’ve got to ensure we are paid appropriately for our care, preserve our reputation as qualified and honest health care providers, and keep quality of care at the forefront.

What do you think the biggest challenge of this new role will be?

Frank: I have a challenging job running rehab, cardiac rehab and sports medicine for two small community hospitals in Southern Illinois. I anticipate there may be times where important things are going on at work and with the IPTA at the same time. Trying to balance it all and a home life will be a challenge. Fortunately, we have an excellent, supportive team at the Chapter office that will assist in the process. We also have strong volunteer leadership within the organization, and I know that I am just one member of the board. I look forward to working with the board and all our expert volunteers on our strategic initiatives.

Tina, if you had the attention of all Members, what message would you like to convey?

Frank: Thank you for your membership! It is a considerable financial commitment. I am glad that the APTA has adopted a monthly payment plan which helps all of us make this investment into the future of the profession more affordable. This is especially beneficial for new professionals who are entering health care at one of the most challenging times. Your support as a member is appreciated and instrumental in ensuring the future of the PT profession as we venture forward and discover new ways to advance health care through physical therapy.

IPTA Adopts 2021-2022 Strategic Plan

Updated July 13, 2022

While the IPTA's Mission remains to "revitalize society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience", the Board of Directors uses a strategic plan to guide our plans and track our progress for achieving that Mission.  While the three main goals have remained the same for the past 6 years, the plan is updated every two years - or sooner if something like a pandemic happens and we need to adjust our sails and set a new course. We invite you to review our plans for 2021 and 2022, which were recently approved by the Board of Directors after receiving input from members of our Assembly.

But first, we would like to highlight some of our most recently accomplished objectives that were part of the 2019-2020 plan.  

Goal 1: IPTA will increase society’s awareness and understanding of physical therapy.
As we work to increase society's awareness and understanding of physical therapy, we began with an end in mind.  Helping middle and high school students understand what physical therapy is - and possibly consider it as a health care career option - serves two purposes:  younger members of society learn about physical therapy and bring that information home to their parents, grandparents, and siblings and it helps us to get into underserved communities with the hopes of recruiting future therapists for tomorrow's generation.  These future providers could return to their communities and improve access to care in underserved areas and populations.  Our work in 2019 and 2020 was developing the framework for this outreach and the outcome was online resources for PTs, PTAs, and students to use to give presentations to schools, recreation programs, career days, and other community meetings.  These resources can be customized and include a presentation guide.  Access them here.

Helping students afford PT and PTA school is a natural next step and, through our foundation, we were able to award $18,000 dollars in scholarships to students in 2020 and establish the initial funding for a new Minority scholarship that will be developed in 2021.

Again, as we work to connect with the public, we recognized that not everyone has access to the internet, or is comfortable using it to find credible information about their illness, or how physical therapy can aid them in recovery.  Paper is still the answer for some folks - a piece that they can take home, read, and share with family and friends.  To address that need, our consumer brochure series was started and, to date, we have created 7 brochures available in both English and Spanish.  Members can access these on our website, download and add their clinic information to the template, and then have them printed so that they can distribute to clients or leave at referring medical offices to use as resources for their patients.

Goal 2: IPTA will help to transform the delivery of health care.
Transformative health care includes both how we affect patient care as well as payment for those services.  Our big payment win was regulation of how timed codes are calculated by insurers, creating consistency in how those rules are applied - and paid.  

COVID-19 caused us to stop and change direction on the delivery of health care.  With a clear directive by the State to STAY HOME, the IPTA immediately worked to make sure that physical therapy - and those that provide it - were defined as essential and included in all Executive Orders and Emergency Rules affecting health care, including those regulating the expanded use of telehealth as well as the distribution of vaccines to health care workers - whether they be licensed or still students out on clinicals.

Goal 3: IPTA will increase member engagement and involvement.
We exist for our members and responding to your needs is priority one.  The pandemic brought new problems for our physical therapy members:  job security, safety, and access to continuing education are just a few of the challenges we recognized in 2020.  In addition to providing timely updates on best practices as they were developed on staying safe while treating during the pandemic, we amped up our educational offerings and made them all free to members.  In 2020, we awarded over 9,000 hours of continuing education credit earned through #THIRDTHURSDAY, Spotlight on Research, and Extra Credits, Ethics and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training programs.

As you review our new strategic plan below, you will see that our work in these areas is not over, but continues to be part of our plans for the next two years, along with other areas of focus that we feel our key to helping us achieve our mission and support our members in their important health care role.  We invite you to share your thoughts and comments below or by emailing the IPTA at ipta@ipta.org.  

2021-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN – approved by the Board of Directors March 23, 2021.

Goal 1: IPTA will increase society’s awareness and understanding of physical therapy.
Objectives:

1. Encourage careers in physical therapy.
1. Promote opportunities for PTs, PTAs, and PT/PTA students to utilize IPTA resource documents & presentations to visit middle schools and high schools to promote PT careers, with emphasis placed on minority students and/or in underserved communities. Our focus should be on:
   1. Promoting IPTA presentation resources to IL PT/PTA program directors and faculty.
   2. Targeting schools/students in underserved communities.
2. Develop a means for providing support to economically disadvantaged and minority students who need assistance. applying to PT/PTA programs (i.e. application fees, observation hours, mentorships).  through the development of a pilot program that provides financial assistance to students who experience a sudden financial hardship that jeopardizes their ability to participate in their class or clinical rotation. (revised 7/22)
3. Continue to seek out additional partnerships and opportunities to provide scholarships to PT/PTA student members in Illinois.
2. Promote individual PTs and PTAs as movement experts.
1. Advocate for enforcement of term and title protection as provided for in the Illinois PT Act.
2. Advocate for PTs to be able to medically authorize temporary and permanent handicapped parking placards in Illinois.
3. Educate the public on the PTs role in treating chronic conditions by continuing to develop and distribute the consumer brochure series, launching 4 per year for the next 2 years.  Topics to be covered could include COVID recovery/long term effects; diabetes; migraines; MS; cerebral palsy; arthritis; stroke.
4. Showcase the roles PTs play or played in pandemic times – “Healthcare Heroes: Share your story” (revised 7/22)

Goal 2: IPTA will help to transform the delivery of health care.
Objectives:

1. Actively contribute to national and state payment reform to ensure consumer access, along with adequate and fair payment for PT service.
1. Regulate insurers in Illinois to provide for fair PT copays and prevent cost-shifting to the patient by categorizing PT under the specialist designation.
2. Advocate for fair payment for services provided by PTAs and utilization of PTAs to their full legal scope of practice in all settings.
2. Ensure that telehealth is utilized by PTs and PTAs in a matter that best meets the needs of the individual patient and the provider is paid equitably for those services.
1. Advocate for fair payment for telehealth services by public and private insurers.
2. Ensure that an Illinois PT or PTA license is required in order to provide physical therapy via telehealth to Illinois residents.
3. Improve the public’s health, wellness and quality of life by supporting pro bono programs and community outreach.
1. Encourage member participation in the annual Global PT Day of Service
2. Support development of a pro bono network of providers in Illinois.
3. Provide resources and education about COVID-19 for members to share with the public.
4. Promote the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in physical therapy practice.
1. Develop resources for health care organizations to address the acceptance of orders from licensed PTs.
2. Provide education to members on how to appropriately incorporate diagnostic imaging into practice.
5. Ensure that PTs can practice dry needling to the full extent of their training and education.
   1. Pass clean up legislation to shift some language to rules in order to give the IDFPR more authority in administering laws that govern dry needling.
6. Ensure that direct access laws are interpreted and followed as originally intended.
7. Address disparities within the PT Act and/or Rules that create barriers to licensure for foreign trained professionals seeking licensure in Illinois by endorsement.
   1. Remove redundant barriers to licensure by endorsement for foreign trained professionals.
8. Promote personal, professional and societal accountability in the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals.
   1. Participate in discussions about state health care license renewal requirements mandating cultural competence education.
   2. Editorial clean up and maintenance of bylaws, policies, procedures, documents and website to ensure use of gender non-binary language.  
9. Ensure changes to the Early Intervention program provide for PTs to practice to full scope utilizing telehealth as needed.

Goal 3: IPTA will increase member engagement and involvement.
Objectives:

1. Ensure members have access to quality and affordable continuing educational programs as a benefit of membership.
2. Ensure that our members are aware of IPTA activities, initiatives and urgent issues impacting the profession through effective communications.
   1. Utilize a variety of platforms to electronically and socially connect with our members.
3. Celebrate IPTA’s 70th Anniversary.
   1. Acknowledge past leaders
   2. Acknowledge IPTA’s history through our e-communications and social media
   3. Gain public recognition through State and local resolutions

Approved by the IPTA Board of Directors on March 23, 2021                 

MEET A MEMBER: Sara Stankoskey, SPT; IPTF's First Student to Student Scholarship Recipient

The IPTA is proud of members who are working hard towards advancing the physical therapy profession.

We should be proud of our Illinois PT and PTA students for their willingness to generously give - not only for their work in last month's sock and underwear drive, but also their continuous support of our Foundation (IPTF).

We asked Sara, "What inspired you to become a PT?”

Stankoskey: I ended up in physical therapy myself when I was 14 years old because of a L4/L5 PARS fracture. I was so fascinated and appreciative that my physical therapist, Megan, helped me back to playing soccer after not being able to bend forward to put my shoes on before. I vividly remember being in the clinic on my discharge day and thinking that I could really see myself doing this for a career. What really solidified my desire to become a PT was my experience as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation intern my senior year in college at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. I had an amazing, well-rounded experience, and I loved working with the patients in both the inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehab settings. After this internship, I knew PT was the way to go!

As the first recipient of the Student to Student Scholarship, which emphasizes volunteering and involvement, what insights can you share with younger PT & PTA students?

Stankoskey: My biggest advice to current and future PT & PTA students is to be as involved as you can in your community, school, and within our profession. There is so much personal reward when you spend your time giving back and helping others, which is a huge reason why most of us decide to get into PT in the first place. The world is always in need of people who spend their time serving others, and you could be that person!

Sara, the floor is yours.  If you had the attention of all the Members what message would you like to convey?

Stankoskey: I recently found a quote that I believe can relate to all of us in the IPTA and APTA. “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent van Gogh

MEET A MEMBER: Kirsten Transue, PT, MPT Illinois Federal Affairs Liaison

The IPTA is proud of members who are working hard towards advancing the physical therapy profession.

IPTA's Board of Directors has appointed Kirsten Transue, PT, MPT to serve as Illinois' 2019 Federal Affairs Liaison.

Previously, Kirsten served as a trustee for IPTA's Political Action Committee (IPT-PAC) and now will liaison to Illinois for federal issues. Any thoughts on what will be hot PT topics at the state or national level for 2019?

Transue: "We have accomplished so much in 2018 with Dry Needling and Direct Access in Illinois, and the repeal of the Medicare Cap federally. In 2019, issues likely to come up are fairness in PT co-pays, further promoting Telehealth, PTs' role in fighting the opioid epidemic. And one of my most important tasks will be to educate the new members of the US House and Senate on the role and value of our profession."

Kirsten, if you had the attention of all members, what message would you like to convey? 

Transue: "One thing I have learned in the past 2 years is that to make change happen you need three simple things: to show up, to have a clear message, to be passionate. Change is incremental, and every one of us can help. If you have no idea where to start, I suggest showing up at your chapter meetings and volunteering for one role with the IPTA. I started out on the nominating committee. While this ended up not being the best fit for me, I learned about all the other opportunities with the IPTA and found where my skill set fits in best. The IPTA is fortunate to have incredible leadership, but they need us to support them. We are in a time of shifting sands in healthcare and reimbursement. If you want to see our profession stay strong and grow, then we have to make our voices heard."

MEET A MEMBER: Tim Rylander, PT, EdD(c), MPT, OCS, CBIS,
IPTF Board Member & REVITALIZE Speaker

The IPTA is proud of our fascinating and influential members who are working hard towards advancing the physical therapy profession.

The IPTF has recently restructured their leadership board and appointed a few more members to serve on their Board of Directors. Click here to view the current IPTF leaders. 

One of the new faces on IPTF's Board is Tim Rylander, PT, EdD(c), MPT, OCS, CBIS.

In addition to serving on IPTF's Board, Dr. Rylander is a featured program speaker at the upcoming REVITALIZE conference - and has spoken at past IPTA conferences. 

In getting to know Dr. Rylander a little more, we asked How do you feel the REVITALIZE Conference adds value for our Illinois members?

Rylander: I believe the REVITALIZE conference is a hidden gem among continuing education opportunities in Illinois. This conference allows for terrific collaboration and networking. It allows for a wide variety of content giving clinicians a chance to reach beyond their comfort zone and explore new concepts. For someone like me who has “professional ADD” the conference provides an opportunity to cover a range of topics including geriatrics, pediatrics, neuro, ortho, wellness and nutrition. I look forward to attending REVITALIZE every year either as a presenter or as a participant; it feels like an annual reunion of some sorts.

As a clinician in private practice, how do you view the IPTA's priority with getting direct access passed in IL? 

Rylander: I think the IPTA has done tremendous work in the effort to gain direct access in Illinois.  Illinois has a difficult political landscape to navigate and our association has fought hard to gain the right for our clients to have access to competent care without having to deal with the time, cost, and bureaucracy of the traditional system.  Unfortunately, I have seen the situation where an individual tries to circumnavigate the system, ends up in the care of some opportunistic practitioner and far too often ends up paying a significant amount for subpar, or questionable care.  Our profession is being threatened by a myriad of others who benefit from some form of direct access (massage therapists, personal trainers, chiropractors, etc).  Why shouldn’t physical therapists, as licensed professionals receive the same opportunity to provide care? 

Direct access would be a tremendous benefit for our practice.  Being a small business, we thrive on community involvement and clinical reputation.  A majority of our clients make their way into our office to see “Tim” or “Kamila” not solely because of the name on the door.  The landscape of healthcare is rapidly changing, and we are all witnessing a movement towards huge healthcare conglomerates.  These organizations are putting up walls and barriers making it more difficult for our clients to reach us; affording us the ability for direct access would minimize some of these obstacles and ultimately could drive down the financial burden placed upon many of our clients. 

Dr. Rylander, If you had the attention of all the Members, what message would you like to convey?

Rylander: My biggest message to members is to get involved!  I started working with the IPTA through education, being a speaker at the REVITALIZE conference and since then I have had the honor of being both an assembly representative and serve on the board of directors for the IPTF.  The IPTA offers a multitude of ways to get involved and it doesn’t always require a significant time commitment.  Helping out is easier than you may think and often a little bit can go a long way.