Advocacy
APTA Virginia is the only statewide organization dedicated to advancing physical therapy through advocacy, education, and community.
As a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, we work to ensure PTs and PTAs have a strong voice in the decisions shaping health care in Virginia.
Our members include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, and retired professionals from across the Commonwealth. Together, we advocate for policies that strengthen the profession and improve access to physical therapy.
Virginia is home to more than 3,000 PTs and PTAs. When our community speaks with one voice, legislators, regulators, and healthcare leaders listen.
Every member strengthens our collective impact by supporting advocacy efforts, professional development, and relationships with state and federal leaders, including the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Join us in advancing the profession of physical therapy and improving the health of society.
Stay Connected with Advocacy Alerts
APTA Virginia members can now stay up to date on important legislative issues through the APTA advocacy app. By downloading the app, you can receive real-time alerts about policy developments affecting physical therapy and quickly take action when it matters most.
APTA Virginia also offers Advocacy Made Simple: Tools for PTs, PTAs, and Students in Virginia, a short video series created in partnership with Lumin Strategies. Designed to make advocacy feel more approachable, the series provides practical guidance on how policy gets made, how to build relationships with legislators, and why every PT, PTA, and student has a role to play in strengthening the profession’s voice.
Legislative Committee
The Legislative committee is responsible for monitoring legislative activity on a state and national level, developing grassroots campaigns, and for working with APTA Government and Payment Advocacy Department staff members to further the goals of the association. If you have legislative questions, please direct them to Tom Bohanon at vpta@vpta.orgMore Ways to Get Involved
Looking for additional ways to support advocacy for the physical therapy profession? There's several opportunities for members and students to stay informed, take action, and build relationships with lawmakers.- Be an Advocate for Physical Therapy — Get involved through APTA’s grassroots advocacy programs, including the APTA Advocacy Network, APTA Key Contacts, and Federal Affairs Liaisons. These opportunities help members respond to action alerts, connect with legislators, and support advocacy efforts that impact the future of the profession.
- Student Advocacy Opportunities — Students can also play an important role in shaping the future of physical therapy advocacy. APTA offers year-round opportunities for PT and PTA students to get involved through advocacy activities, student-led events, social media action efforts, and more.
Lobby Day 2027
Wednesday, January 27, 2027
General Assembly Building, Subcommittee Room 8
Richmond, Virginia
Join fellow physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students in Richmond for APTA Virginia's Lobby Day 2027. Meet with legislators, share your experiences, and learn how you can help strengthen the voice of physical therapy in Virginia. No previous advocacy experience is necessary.
Lobby Day Interest Meetings:
December 9, 2026 and January 13, 2027
These meetings will help participants learn what to expect, how to get involved, and how APTA Virginia's advocacy efforts are supported.
Registration is not required, but signing up helps APTA Virginia share important event details and updates.
Register for Lobby Day Interest Meetings & Lobby Day 2027
Get Ready for Lobby Day
- New to Advocacy? Start Here – Learn the basics and prepare for your first Lobby Day.
- Find Your Legislators – Identify who represents your home district.
- Plan Your Visit – Review parking information before traveling to Richmond.
Diagnostic Imaging Advocacy Brief
APTA Virginia has developed a one-page advocacy brief addressing diagnostic imaging referrals by licensed physical therapists in Virginia.
The brief outlines the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy's proposed guidance, what it means for current practice, potential barriers to imaging referrals, and next steps as APTA Virginia continues exploring advocacy efforts.
Read the Diagnostic Imaging Advocacy Brief (PDF)
PAC
The PAC funds the Virginia Physical Therapy Association’s lobbying efforts. This is 100% reliant on donors like you. You can learn more about the PAC here. If you have questions about the PAC please direct them to Andy Tatom at vpta@vpta.org. The mission of APTA Virginia is to advance excellence, quality, and accessibility of physical therapy through advocacy, education, research, and services for its members and consumers.