APTQI Thanks Rep. Miller for Visiting Marshall University School of Physical Therapy
Rep. Miller, lead sponsor of the SAFE Act (H.R. 7618), toured training labs and met with physical therapy students
WASHINGTON – The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality & Innovation (APTQI) today commended Representative Carol Miller (R-WV) for visiting the Marshall University School of Physical Therapy.
Rep. Miller met with physical therapy students and toured Marshall’s training labs. The Marshall University School of Physical Therapy is based in Huntington, WV and offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. With a 95.8% first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam and a 100% employment rate, Marshall students successfully go on to work in a variety of roles including in hospitals, athletics, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, school systems, and more to help their patients live healthier, more independent lives.
“We thank Rep. Miller for her continued commitment to supporting the physical therapy profession and patients,” said Nikesh Patel, PT, Executive Director of APTQI. “Her leadership in Congress introducing the SAFE Act, and her willingness to learn more from the next generation of physical therapists is commendable.”
Earlier this year Rep. Miller introduced the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618), which is supported by 87% of older Americans. If passed, this legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive a no cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their wellness benefit. With the number of falls by 2030 estimated to rise to more than 52 million among older Americans each year, it’s crucial that patients have access to physical therapy care to prevent falls.
A recent Morning Consult report found that 71% of older Americans are concerned about falls and nearly half (42%) reported having a personal experience with a fall in their household, many of which resulted in serious injury and required a visit to the emergency room, ambulatory services, long-term hospitalization, and surgery, underscoring the importance of physical therapy fall risk assessments.
APTQI thanks Rep. Miller for her support and urges lawmakers and advocates to support the SAFE Act.
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