On March 22, 2012, those of you who are interested will convene in Annapolis to meet with legislators.  The morning will start with a 30-60 minute briefing during which we can give final directions and answer any remaining questions.  Then groups of students, accompanied by members and or faculty will meet with legislators or their staff with the following goals:

1. Educate the legislators on issues of importance to physical therapists and their patients   
2. Begin what may develop into a long term professional relationship between legislators and future doctors of physical therapy  
3. Students to represent their respective schools and members to represent the profession in a positive way to state legislators

Following meetings with the legislators we will reconvene for 30-60 minutes for debriefing.  This will give those involved a chance to share their experiences, comments of the legislators, write thank you letters to the legislators, and begin to evaluate the experience.It will also be a chance to gather feedback on the event in hopes of improving the content for future years.

We believe this kind of event would be invaluable to you as students.  As professionalism in action it would meet the following educational objectives:

1. Educate you on the state legislative process
2. Educate you on the importance of grassroots advocacy
3. Educate you on current issues affecting the practice of physical therapy
4. Educate you on what it means to be in a profession not just an occupation
5. Educate you on what the Maryland chapter of the APTA can do for members, and what members can do for the Maryland chapter

Schedule

8:00 am Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Briefing at Calvary United Methodist Church (once all appointments are finalized we will confirm the start time)
• President Leslie Glickman PT, PhD
• Director for Government Relations Rick Peret
• Lobbyist Dan Doherty

Followed by walk to the Legislature

Throughout the day - appointments with legislators. Appointments sometimes change at the last minute but a schedule of what we have lined up will be emailed to registrants the first week in February.

Following meetings with the legislators all students will reconvene at the church for lunch and for debriefing. This will give those involved a chance to share their experiences, comments of the legislators, write thank you letters to the legislators, and begin to evaluate the experience. It will also be a chance to gather feedback on the event in hopes of improving the content for future years.

Transportation and Parking

Travel: Set up carpools with classmates.

Parking: Everyone can park at the Navy Marine Corps Stadium which is located off Rowe Boulevard between Farragut Road and Taylor Avenue. Current fees are $5.00 all day parking. You can walk to the church from there and then after the briefing everyone will walk over to the legislature.

2011 Briefing and Reference Information

HB188 | Status as of February 7, 2011: Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations

Sponsored By: Delegate Donoghue
Entitled State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners - Licensure and Regulation
Committee Assignments House: Health and Government Operations | Senate: None

SB258 | Status as of February 7, 2011: Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education Health and Environmental Affairs

Sponsored By Senator Montgomery
Entitled State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners - Licensure and Regulation
Committee Assignments House: None | Senate: None

SB312 | Status as of February 7, 2011: Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Finance

Sponsored By Senators Madaleno, Forehand, Glassman, Kelley, King, Montgomery, Pugh, Raskin, and Stone
Entitled Health Insurance - Habilitative Services - Required Coverage
Committee Assignments: House - None | Senate: Finance

• Talking Points for HB 188/SB 258
• Talking Points for SB 312
• Tips for Meeting with Legislators
• Advocacy Toolkit
• Maryland General Assembly

We are always here to answer any questions and explore any suggestions you have regarding this event.  

Respectfully,

Ashley Simmons, SPT 

Kristen Fiackos, SPT

Annapolis, Maryland