Advocacy Information
Together We Are Stronger
Leading the Way
Mentor a New Generation of Advocates
The success of our efforts not only depends on the number of voices, but also on having an informed and prepared group of advocates.
Sign up to mentor students and new professionals during our legislative week Feb 6-10.
Mentors must participate in a mandatory online training, “Becoming a Life Long Advocate for the Profession.” The course is worth one (0.1) CEU and is FREE for mentors and members.
Stay Informed: members can join the government relations committee. Check out the committee’s workspace or contact the chapter for details.
Share your Voice: Let us know issues that are important to you. The Chapter’s legislative agenda is set by our members.
Your Legislators Want to Hear from You
Share Your Story
From the power of physical therapy to navigating insurance challenges, we want to help share your story with legislators. Click the button below to upload testimonials and videos from patients and or practice owners.
Advocacy Toolkit
Get informed. Familiarize yourself with current issues and legislation affecting the physical therapy profession in Maryland. Think about how you might start a conversation with your representative. Why is it important for PTs and PTAs to support this piece of legislation? Fact sheets regarding bills and legislative efforts for Advocacy Day are below and will be available in your advocacy day packets.
- Find your District Legislator
- APTAMD Priorities
- Join legislative committee meetings to learn about the issues, get talking points, etc.
- We will also provide briefing packets to anyone meeting with their legislator on behalf of the chapter and profession.
- Find your State Legislators (This link takes your to the APTA Legislative Action Center)
- Join the APTA Advocacy Network
Receive action alerts and updates on legislative and regulatory activity. It’s free for members!
- Legislative Action Center
APTA members can log in to the Legislative Action Center to send prewritten messages to their legislators. - Patient Action Center
Nonmembers and the public can use the Patient Action Center to send prewritten messages to their legislators. - Regulatory Action Center
Congress isn’t the only group that needs to hear from you. Use the Regulatory Action Center to access template letters for contacting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other regulators.
Onsite – Annapolis
- Bring a photo ID. At the capital you may be asked to present a photo ID. Please remember that we will be going into a government building and may be asked to wait in lines at security.
For District and Virtual Meetings
- Dress appropriately. Business attire is expected as we will be representing the profession when we speak with state legislators.
- Your legislator may be in session or pulled to another meeting, do not be discouraged.
- Be Informed – Review our talking points
- Research your legislator – do they have a history of supporting the profession and issues we value. If not, research opposing arguments to any issues you pan to discuss and be prepared to explain your position
- Be respectful
- Be on time
- Capture the moment – take a photo and upload to social media. Tag the chapter and your legislator!
- Send a Thank You. Include a photo from your visit if you took one at the meeting.
- Fill out our debrief form and let us know if the Chapter can provide any follow up information. You can also e-mail or Call the APTAMD to let us know how your visit went.
Sample Invitation Letter
How to Prepare
- Be Informed – Review our talking points
- Research your legislator – do they have a history of supporting the profession and issues we value. If not, research opposing arguments to any issues you pan to discuss and be prepared to explain your position
- Be respectful
- Be on time
- Capture the moment – take a photo and upload to social media. Tag the chapter and your legislator!
- Send a Thank You. Include a photo from your visit if you took one at the meeting.
- Follow up. Be sure to follow up on your ask and on any requests for additional information.
- Fill our our debrief form and let us know if the Chapter can provide any follow up information. You can also e-mail or Call the APTAMD to let us know how your visit went.
