Welcome to APTA Iowa
We aim to serve the membership and the public with excellence and integrity by advancing and promoting the practice of physical therapy through the coordination of advocacy, education and resources.
Recent News
Hello, APTA Iowa! I hope you are finding time to enjoy watching the XXV Winter Olympic Games. They provide many opportunities for movement analysis and conversations about injury prevention and rehabilitation. Congratulations to recently appointed APTA Iowa liaisons Kerri Hurning, Federal Affairs Liaison Jeramy Kuhn, Ethics Liaison Highlights from APTA Component Leadership Meeting during Combined Sections Meeting: Discussed APTA Strategic Framework 2030 Three pillars: advancing payment, empowering members, and evolving practice. Chapters and academies are aligning priorities with these 3 pillars and focusing on collective efforts to advance the profession. Listened to a presentation, Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy, by Ash James, Professional Advisor Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Refer to Use of Artificial and Augmented Technology in PT Task Force for more information about APTA’s work in this area. Viewed the PT For Future Me resources . This consumer awareness campaign highlights the value of physical therapy as a proactive investment at every stage of the lifespan. There is a member toolkit and resources for patients. Watch for the newly released commercial too. Advocacy Join us for 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. Send comments to the Department of Education to classify the doctor of physical therapy as a professional degree by March 2. Take action! Help us advocate for change with the Iowa Medicaid MCOs. If you have information specific to Iowa Total Care and/or Wellpoint, please complete this survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BT8S6PN Join us Wednesday, April 15 from 5:30-7:00 pm at Advocacy Reception in Des Moines. Thank you for your partnership, Sue Bravard, PT, MS
The 2026 legislative session is in full swing, and APTA Iowa members are already advocating! In December, 21st Century Rehab staff hosted a legislative meeting at the Knoxville Community Hospital with Representative Brooke Boden. There was a great conversation and discussion focused on administrative burden either delaying care or negatively impacting care.
Greetings, APTA Iowa! Because personal and work environment stressors can take a toll on well-being, I’m excited to share a new resource with you: Healthy Practice Resource . The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, in collaboration with Healthcare Regulatory Research Institute, developed this innovative self-assessment tool to support licensee well-being and promote healthy practice across the profession. It offers a proactive approach by helping professionals identify areas for growth and access resources that support sustainable, healthy practice. There are 10 modules and certificates of completion awarded. Congratulations to APTA Iowa delegates elected in December: Colleen Louw, Chief Delegate Pamela Duffy, Stephanie Kelsick, and Brenda Kemling January Board Meeting Highlights Discussed term/title protection. APTA Iowa will continue to send professional courtesy letters to offices who advertise physical therapy and do not employ a physical therapist. Physiotherapy is a term specifically used to define “chiropractic” in the Iowa Chiropractic Practice Act and does not infringe on the Iowa PT Practice Act title protection. Approved an honor cord program to recognize student members who show high engagement and dedication to our Chapter and the profession. Reviewed Bylaws survey results. Bylaws Task Force has met with APTA leadership. The Task Force is developing educational materials. Advocacy Discussions continue with Iowa Total Care and Wellpoint about prior authorization and administrative burden. Thank you for providing data. We will continue to rely on you to identify pain points. Join us for 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. Join us at the Advocacy Reception - Wednesday, April 15 from 5:30-7:30 pm Education Enhance your clinical decision making in any setting by attending the spring conference! April 15 and 16, 2026 Wed., April 15 PM – Issues Forum Thurs., April 16 - Chapter Business Meeting and CEU: Integrating Neurodynamics and Pain Science presented by Adriaan Louw Best regards, Sue Bravard, PT, MS
