On Monday Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the APTA-supported legislation Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act (S. 2676).This legislation would allow physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. The program involves 2 year contract to work in a health professional shortage area in exchange for a $50,000 loan repayment
The addition of physical therapists to the NHSC Loan Repayment Program will ensure that individuals in rural and underserved areas have access to nonpharmacological options for the prevention, treatment, and management of pain, and access to physical therapy for rehabilitation from postacute sequelae of COVID-19, often called long COVID.
The legislation aligns with APTA’s strategic priority and Public Policy Priorities, 2021-2022 of addressing student loan burdens in physical therapy.
This bill was introduced as a Senate companion bill to the existing house bill (HR 3759) that was introduced in July. Stay tuned for advocacy opportunities to support this legislation.
APTA-Mississippi 