Resolution #2

BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT AND UPLIFT ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

1 WHEREAS:
2 UNAC/UHCP represents a diverse and highly skilled workforce of rehabilitation services
3 providers, advanced practice providers (APPs), and other allied health professionals who are vital
4 to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare; and
5 WHEREAS:
6 Current Medicare reimbursement policies and structural frameworks often undervalue the
7 comprehensive care, expertise, and specialized services provided by allied health and advanced
8 practice professionals; and
9 WHEREAS:
10 Restrictive reimbursement models, administrative burdens, and outdated statutory
11 limitations directly impact the retention, recruitment, and overall professional advancement of
12 these essential healthcare workers; and
13 WHEREAS:
14 Unity and strategic collaboration across professional disciplines strengthen our collective
15 voice, amplifying our impact on federal and state healthcare policies; and
16 WHEREAS:
17 Establishing formal coalitions with external professional organizations representing
18 physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurse practitioners,
19 physician assistants, and other allied professions creates a unified front to demand equitable
20 compensation.
21 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
22 That the UNAC/UHCP will actively seek and establish formal partnerships with national
23 and state professional organizations representing rehabilitation services, advanced practice
24 providers, and allied health professions; and
25
26
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
28 That UNAC/UHCP, in collaboration with these partner organizations, will develop and
29 execute a comprehensive legislative and regulatory advocacy strategy focused on reforming
30 Medicare reimbursement policies to reflect the true value of allied health services; and
31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
32 That this joint advocacy campaign will prioritize lobbying for fair reimbursement rates, the
33 elimination of arbitrary practice restrictions, and the expansion of direct-billing capabilities for
34 APPs and allied professionals; and
35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
36 That UNAC/UHCP will dedicate resources to educate members, the public, and lawmakers
37 on how equitable Medicare reimbursement directly correlates with improved patient access, better
38 healthcare outcomes, and the long-term sustainability of the healthcare workforce; and
39 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
40 That the leadership of UNAC/UHCP will provide regular updates to the membership on
41 the progress of these professional partnerships and the status of ongoing policy initiatives aimed
42 at uplifting and protecting our professions.

SUBMITTED BY:
LaToya Washington, PT, Physical Therapy Vice-President and Delegate
Bianka Tulgar, PT, President and Delegate
Christina Perryman, PT, Secretary and Delegate
United Therapists of Southern California (UTSC)

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION: ADOPTION