President's Message from Josh Bailey

Greetings! The VPTA has been hard at work for our members. I wanted to take a moment to thank the PT, PTA and Student members that attended lobby day on January 16th. The General Assembly building is still under construction (and will be for the next several years). To manage this, we split our group of 30 or so attendees into smaller groups to meet with the Delegates and Senators. The main areas of discussion were based around Licensure Compact legislation, balance billing legislation, #choosept to fight the opioid epidemic as well as Athletic Training scope of practice. Thanks to everyone who took time to set up meetings with their representatives to discuss issues that are impactful for our profession here in Virginia. I think it is appropriate to give special thanks those that left the comforts of their home at 2 a.m. or earlier to ensure that they were on time to make their scheduled meetings….now, that is a super engaged group!

The VPTA was also actively engaged at CSM with a preconference two-day pain science course. This course received rave reviews. The educational committee did a wonderful job of finding great speakers for the Virginia component as well as other states to enjoy. This preconference course took the place on our typical spring education since Virginia was considered one of the host states for CSM (Washington, D.C.). Additionally, the VPTA was involved in many component leadership events at CSM. These are important events that improve collaboration with other state components. Many great ideas were developed and shared. All components of the APTA have been working to determine ways to improve member and student member involvement and engagement. As CSM has grown, state involvement has had a tendency to decrease. The VPTA would love to hear your suggestions to help guide our committees in providing services and opportunities for our members and prospective members.

Lastly, I want to take the opportunity to bring recognition to our PTA members. This year is the 50th Anniversary of PTA’s as a profession! The VPTA and APTA are promoting #PTA10K. This initiative is to increase overall PTA membership in the APTA to 10,000. Currently, there are 3630 PTA’s in Virginia and about 8% are members of our state and national organization. Please help spread the word of our collective desires to increase and improve PTA involvement. There is no time like the present to allow your voice and actions to be heard and seen.

Thank you for your membership!
Josh Bailey, PT DPT
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Certified Pedorthist
VPTA, President

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