In my current capacity as a policy advisory for Polsinelli’s Public Policy Group, I proudly advocate for the policy interests of ASHT and hand therapists across the country. During my time in Washington, I’ve worked in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. I’ve lobbied on behalf of patients, providers, causes and nonprofits.
In total, my experiences have helped hone my abilities to assess an issue, evaluate the environment and develop a game plan in pursuit of results. If that sounds like I’m describing your practice, I am. You are amazing advocates for your patients every day! You do so with compassion and purpose, and you do it as a calling.
You are also the best advocates for your profession. The knowledge and practical experience of therapists like you help alert us to problems facing other practices. Voices like yours help ensure ASHT has a seat at the table when questions about policy, payment and practice are decided. We count on your insight to shape policy and encourage you to seek out opportunities to advocate for your profession, including joining the ranks of ASHT’s Practice Division.
This year, with the commitment of ASHT President Mo Herman and in close collaboration with Practice Division Director Ekta Pathare, we’ve worked to support introduction of telehealth legislation that would allow hand therapy to bill in Medicare Advantage and ACO models, and advocated for House passage of workforce programs that include faculty loan forgiveness for OTs and PTs and a new program to promote diversity across the professions. Together, we successfully fought for changes to CMS’ Proposed Physician Fee Schedule Rule for CY2020, and have made critical progress against a pattern of recent denials by DME MACs for the custom fabrication of orthoses, including an in-person meeting at CMS headquarters.
Without a thriving hand therapy workforce, we know people will inevitably encounter barriers to needed care. Your participation is key. The ASHT Practice Division welcomes your thoughts, experiences and passion to impact the direction that legislation affecting the hand therapy profession and practice takes. There are various opportunities to serve as committee members and chairs or to test your leadership skills within the Practice Division. Please visit the ASHT volunteer portal for opportunities to serve in leadership and committee positions. We invite ASHT members with special interest in advocacy, state and federal legislation or practice to serve within committees and as committee leads.