Welcome to APTA Iowa

Hello APTA Iowa! Thank you to all who completed the Chapter Bylaws survey . The Bylaws Task Force has begun work on data analysis including theme identification to present at the January 2026 Board meeting. I also reached out to APTA leadership to request resources as we work toward alignment with APTA Bylaws. APTA Iowa allocated resources to assist and support rehab agencies as they educate Iowa Medicaid and legislators about the unintentional impact of the speech code payment changes which went into effect December 1. Thank you to Doug Struyk (APTA Iowa Legislative Counsel), Steve Cassabaum (Legislative Committee Chair), and Randy Bolt (Payment and Policy Committee Chair) for guidance on strategy and messaging to advocate for services for this vulnerable pediatric population. I attended the Payment and Policy Committee meeting with Iowa Total Care on December 16. We are also working with Wellpoint to schedule a meeting in January 2026. Your concerns about prior authorization, denials, and their peer-to-peer process were shared. We asked for an increase in the number of visits without prior authorization. The recommendation by Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Rulemaking Committee to designate the doctor of physical therapy degree and many other health professions degrees as graduate rather than professional degrees could reshape our profession. This proposed rule is published for public comment in early 2026. Congratulations to APTA Iowa members Steve Cassabaum received the 2025 Private Practice Community Impact Award Alissa Thompson was elected as a delegate for the PTA Council Save these 2026 dates: Early Professional SIG virtual happy hour – Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. APTA Iowa Day on the Hill - Wednesday, Feb. 25 Legislator breakfast with members 7:00-9:00 a.m. Student activities at 11:00 a.m. APTA Iowa Spring Conference – April 15 and 16, 2026 Wed., April 15 PM – Issues Forum & Advocacy Reception (5:30-7:30 pm) Thurs., April 16 - Chapter Business Meeting and CEU: Integrating Neurodynamics and Pain Science presented by Adriaan Louw May your holiday season be filled with joy, Sue Bravard, PT, MS

Happy National Physical Therapy Month! As our profession’s recognition month comes to a close, I want to thank you for your continued membership and celebrate the impact physical therapy has on the health of your communities. Because our Chapter is growing, APTA has assigned one additional seat to Iowa’s delegation. Seven, instead of 6, colleagues will represent us at the House of Delegates in July 2026. Call for nominations for Chief Delegate and 3 delegates will arrive to your inbox soon. Our association and its work are primarily volunteer-based. I’m grateful for those who serve on the Board of Directors and committees . Their dedication to and passion for physical therapy is palpable. Please join me in thanking them for their time and efforts. As President, I attend the payor meetings with our Payment and Policy Committee (Randy Bolt, Steve Cassabaum, Blake Hardy, and Jason Putz). This team has developed positive working relationships with payor representatives and advocates for all physical therapy providers/services including sharing pain points from practice. Your input about insurance companies on the legislative priorities survey was also shared. October Board Meeting Highlights: Discussed plan for continued review and revision of Chapter Bylaws First step: member survey to gather input on proposed changes Survey will be released during the Chapter Business meeting on Nov. 10 Established an Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) This group is for students in their final program semester up to 5 years after graduation. Planning is underway! Watch for information in early 2026. Launched the refreshed website There was robust discussion at the Legislative Preparedness event . Several members signed up for the legislative committee and quick response team. This grassroots campaign is essential as we become more organized in our advocacy efforts at the state level. Monthly continuing education offerings are sponsored by the districts. Attendance is open to all members of our association at no cost. Non-members may register for a fee. District business meetings occur on the same evening. If your district is the host, I encourage you to participate in the business portion. Upcoming Events: Mental and Behavioral Health and Physical Therapy November 6 7:00 PM Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_43MSMZOTZyS4SCIT8UQUw#/registration Chapter Business Meeting November 10 12:10-12:50 PM Virtual meeting Delegate Election Electronic voting Thanks for your partnership, Sue Bravard PT, MS