On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, members of APTA-Mississippi joined physical therapists from across the nation in a unified effort on Capitol Hill to advocate for legislation that strengthens the delivery of physical therapy services. The delegation focused on four legislative priorities: Medicare payment reform, the locum tenens bill (H.R. 1517/S. 2225), the SAFE Act for falls prevention (H.R. 1171), and the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act (H.R. 4074). Advocates called for inflation-based updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and urged lawmakers to co-sponsor or introduce companion legislation supporting continuity of care, fall prevention, and postpartum recovery. APTA-Mississippi was well represented by Carmen Cooper-Oguz, David Friloux, Jeremy Foster, Joe Jacobson, Josh Becker, and Philip Christian. The team made contact with all Mississippi House and Senate offices, holding meaningful conversations with the offices of Representatives Michael Guest, Mike Ezell, Bennie Thompson, and Trent Kelly. Meetings emphasized how these bills would benefit patients across Mississippi. The delegation also encouraged Senator Roger Wicker’s office to consider companion legislation in the Senate. Their collective advocacy showcased the vital role physical therapists play in shaping effective, patient-centered health policy.
APTA-Mississippi 