Are Physical Therapists Too Passive?

I heard the finest characterization of the political physical therapist from Juliana Koob, Legislative Advocate for the New Mexico chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association at the State Payment and Policy Forum in Austin, Texas today. Ms. Koob said:

"Physical therapists have the best work-life balance of all of my clients. They love their work but they generally love their private lives, too."

That's why grassroots action by state-level physical therapists often seems like all the work gets done by the same small group of people.

My conversation with Ms. Koob took place within the context of CEO Paul Hardin's discussion of the Texas Physical Therapy Association's (TPTA) attempt to secure physical therapy direct access legislation in 2011.

The Texas attempt enjoyed a broad support from leaders in the Texas private practice setting, a sophisticated social media campaign and grassroots activity from all over Texas and, perhaps, the United States.

News Story on Texans Direct Access to Physical Therapists

The initiative for the Texas Direct Access legislation and much of the heavy lifting to ensure it's passage (it missed by only one vote!) was probably done, in my opinion, by three people:

• Cynthia Fisher, PT, DPT, MS, PCS President of the TPTA 
• Paul Hardin, CEO of the TPTA and 
• Eric Wilson, PT Legislative Chair of the TPTA

I don't want to take away recognition of the effort of the 500 physical therapist who showed up on Legislative Day in Austin, Texas or of the genuine grassroots support as evidenced by the 2,906 people who signed the petition supporting direct access to physical therapists.

I also don't discount the people who donated over $60,000 to the Texas Political Action Committee in support of Direct Access.

Physical therapists have great jobs with huge potential to impact peoples' lives. When we support and initiate political action to improve our impact we have to spend our private time - the situation that Ms. Koob observed.

But, that private time can be spent in fulfilling advocacy activities that add balance to your life by improving your patients' access to physical therapy.

According to Ms. Koob, politics doesn't have to be negative or contentious. Done correctly, politics may be just about talking one-on-one with your friends and neighbors.

Physical therapists are not passive. But, we may need to shed our idea that seeking influence in politics doesn't square with our image of a happy work-life balance.

For more updates from the APTA State Payment and Policy Forum in Austin, Texas follow the Twitter feed at @APTAadvocacy.

Key Contacts Important for Physical Therapist Advocates

"They'll take your money!" said the Senator.

He laughed as he stepped into the elevator. We joined in the laughter, aware of the power differential he created and agreeing with the truth of his words.

"Everybody's up here in Tallahassee playing defense. Even if you physical therapists have nothing on the table this session you need to stay involved."

He was tutoring us now. We remained silent and nodded respectfully.

I was standing next to my former employee and the current owner of three outpatient physical therapy clinics in Bradenton, Florida. I own one clinic. Together, our combined ages just matched the Senator's age.

The Senator knew us from visits to his office back in the district. He was always cordial but I had seen him show a healthy distrust of medical professionals - his construction business paid heavy workers' compensation premiums every year and Medicaid fraud-busting was his top priority.

Could we persuade him to see physical therapists differently?

"The papers keep saying you will run for one of Florida's two open Congressional seats in 2012?" I said

"My wife wants me to retire - but I'm having a great time!"

The Senator got off the elevator to go to his committee meeting. "See you boys later!" he said over his shoulder.

Being a Key Contact

Physicians have more money than physical therapists and chiropractors have been a political force in Florida for longer than I have been alive.

So, what can physical therapists bring to compete with dollars and political precedence?

Compelling stories and a genuine focus on the patient.

Physical therapists can tell stories about helping people walk after devastating accidents. Or, we can describe simple, safe interventions that enable people to live independently - all without drugs or surgery.

Witness the effect of stories and a genuine patient focus on this improbable political victory by Larry Benz, DPT and a determined grassroots effort in Kentucky:

"Get organized, be bold, and go for it.

PT's don't go in front of legislators very often and when we do we have great patient testimonies, empirical evidence, and a host of intangibles that at the end of the day are easy to understand and resonate with many.

While you can never underestimate the power of the political process, you can prevail."

Physical therapists are not natural political operators - that's what makes us stand out in a positive way in places like Tallahassee.

The Legislature is divided into two houses. The House of Representatives and the Senate make laws that govern Florida. There are 120 members of the House of Representatives and 40 members of the Senate.

We need your help.

If you have considered helping your professional association and you feel that you could share your patients' successful stories or speak up for the profession please contact Eric Chaconas, DPT to be added to the list of Florida's Key Contacts.