On July 1, 2023, two important affirmative bills impacting physical therapist practice in Iowa took effect. The first, Senate File 528, permits physical therapists to authorize a patient to use a crossbow during bow hunting season based on existing mobility impairments. This bill does not expand the eligibility of those who are allowed to obtain their crossbow license but adds physical therapists to the list of care providers who may determine if a patient is eligible for a crossbow license.
The second and landmark bill, House File 174, allows physical therapists to refer patients for diagnostic imaging. Images will be interpreted by a properly credentialed professional and shared with a patient’s primary care provider. The passing of this bill received national attention as Iowa is the first state with legislation allowing physical therapists to refer for all imaging modalities including x-rays and MRI. The development and passage of these affirmative bills can be credited to the diligent efforts of leaders and members of the Iowa component of the American Physical Therapy Association, who worked to build relationships, engage with legislators at the Capitol and advocate for patients. Both bills increase patient access to care and enhance the role of doctors of physical therapy as key primary providers. In a rural state, like Iowa, this is invaluable.
Des Moines University students and faculty were among the APTAIowa members playing important roles in the success of this legislative session. Haley Delpesce, D.P.T.’25, serves as the APTAIowa representative for her class. As part of the many opportunities afforded by DMU, she was invited to attend a legislative breakfast at the Capitol. At that breakfast, she spoke to Senator Jeff Edler, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. He asked her what issues were important to physical therapists in Iowa. Thanks to the weekly communications from APTAIowa, Delpesce was aware of the diagnostic imaging bill and shared information about it with Edler. The timing was perfect as he was on his way to a subcommittee meeting with that very bill on the agenda.
Following the subcommittee meeting, he communicated regularly with Delpesce, kept her informed of the bill’s progress and used her as a key contact when additional information was needed. She continued to advocate by writing letters and attending APTAIowa’s Student Advocacy Dinner, where she had the opportunity to speak to other Iowa legislators.
“I learned the power of building relationships, staying informed and making sure my voice is heard for my future patients and profession,” she said, reflecting on the experience.
Delpesce also credits Des Moines University for providing outstanding opportunities for students to be involved in advocacy and to connect with many leaders and decision makers in Greater Des Moines.
“The faculty at Des Moines University model how to advocate for patients and communities. Through their guidance, I learned the process is much less intimidating than expected and I feel empowered to continue to be a leader and advocate in my profession,” she said.
Tracy Porter, P.T., D.P.T.’97, Ed.D., associate professor in DMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, is a past president of APTAIowa and has been involved in several recent legislative efforts. One example is a bill signed into law on July 2, 2015, that improved consumer protections from high physical therapy copays. That legislation took three years of concerted efforts by APTAIowa to pass.
“The passing of the diagnostic imaging bill within one legislative session is nothing short of remarkable. I have seen APTAIowa increase its engagement at the Capitol over the past decade, and the investment has been worth it for our patients and profession,” she said.
Porter regularly connects with Representative Ann Meyer, chair of the Human Resources Committee and Health Policy Oversight Committee and a member of the Iowa Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council, on issues specific to health care and increasing access to needed services for Iowans. Meyer was instrumental in bringing the diagnostic imaging bill to the full House for discussion and vote.
Kari Smith, M.S.P.T.’94, D.P.T.’04, WCS, BCB-PM, manager of the DMU Physical Therapy Clinics, is excited about this legislation and is already working on implementation.
“We may encounter initial hurdles related to insurance processes and prior authorization,” she noted.
APTAIowa will offer a series of monthly webinars to share resources and assist members in navigating the opportunities this advocacy win provides to patients and the physical therapy profession.
