Regardless of political party, most Americans are unified in their belief that United States Veterans should be well cared for.  I believe that the men and women that serve this country deserve all the benefits they receive from the Veterans Health Administration.  It is for this reason I was happy to see one of the latest news releases that a bill has been presented to legislation in Washington DC called the Veterans Physical Therapy Improvement Act of 2008.  This bill would improve the recruitment and retention of physical therapists (PTs) treating our nation's veterans by creating a Director of Physical Therapy Service position at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).  Having a voice at this level would ensure that, as the profession advances, the VA keeps up to date with issues related to the profession's education, qualifications, clinical privileges and scope of practice.

The bill would also serve in establishing a fellowship program in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, multiple trauma care and rehabilitation research.  If this bill is enacted into law it will help to ensure that the wounded soldiers will continue to receive rehabilitative care over the course of their lifetime, as many return to the US with complex and numerous injuries that require ongoing skilled treatment and rehabilitation.  The combination of the increase in wounded soldiers over the past few years and the aging population of our veterans has resulted in a shortage of PTs at military hospitals and VA care centers.  As we have many residents in Box Butte County who utilize the services of the VA, I am sure you will agree that this legislation is an extremely important step forward in assuring that our veterans receive the highest quality physical therapy and rehabilitative care.

God Bless America!

Yours in health,

Valerie