Legislative Preparedness at the State Level: Recap of Prior Sessions and What’s Ahead in 2026

10/23/2025 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM

Presenter: Doug Struyk, Jennifer Dorman, Steve Cassabaum, and Natalie Theroux

Presenters:

• Carney and Appleby, PLC (Doug Struyk and Jennifer Dorman), APTA Iowa lobbyists
• Steve Cassabaum, PT, APTA Iowa Legislative Committee Chair
• Natalie Theroux, PT, APTA Iowa Legislative Committee Co-Chair and PAC Co-Chair

 

Course Description:

Just as we prepare for medical emergencies, physical therapy providers must be ready when legislative actions have potential impact on practice. APTA Iowa leadership invites you to participate in this educational session in order to take proactive measures to effectively respond to legislative initiatives at the state level. Prior wins and the strategies will be discussed as well as specific actions needed for future successes. Learn about the legislative process and how APTA Iowa utilizes resources to protect and promote the practice of physical therapy.

 

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the legislative process.
2. Identify physical therapy’s top legislative priorities.
3. Describe key strategies for legislative success.
4. Discuss APTA Iowa resource allocation for legislative activities.
5. Propose an action plan to advocate for the profession.

 

Agenda:

• 8:00 - 9:00 am Registration
• 9:00 - 11:00 am
  • Overview of the legislative process
  • Prior legislative wins and strategies
  • Recap of 2025 session and potential initiatives in 2026
  • APTA Iowa’s legislative priorities
• 11:00 – 11:15 am   BREAK
• 11:15 am – 1:15 pm
  • Physical Therapy Political Action Committee (PTPAC) purpose and processes
  • Resource allocation
  • Communicating with legislators
  • Developing relationships with legislators/key contacts
  • Next steps