Federal Affairs Liaison (FAL) October Call Minutes

• By: admin
• On: 11/03/2026 15:54:45
• In: News

Regulatory Update

• Value-Based Care Resources: A new series of APTA resources is available outlining CMS and CMMI value-based care and payment models. The materials provide overviews of eligible entities, target populations, payment structures, care delivery requirements, and opportunities for physical therapist involvement as healthcare reimbursement continues to shift toward value-based care.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Updates: CMS announced it will exercise enforcement discretion regarding the new requirement that initial interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings occur within four days of admission to an IRF. Following stakeholder feedback, providers will have a six-month enforcement discretion period from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. During this period, Medicare Administrative Contractors will not deny payment solely based on failure to meet the four-day IDT requirement, provided weekly IDT meetings continue throughout the patient's stay.
• IRF Payment Reform Discussion: APTA participated in a stakeholder listening session with CMS, Acumen, and other organizations regarding potential IRF payment reform concepts included in the 2027 IRF PPS Request for Information. While several alternative payment approaches were discussed, participants generally supported maintaining the existing payment methodology, noting that proposed alternatives did not provide clear advantages over the current system.
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Technical Expert Panel: APTA participated in a CMS and Acumen Technical Expert Panel examining increases in reported resident conditions such as malnutrition, swallowing disorders, and depression under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Panel discussions highlighted numerous contributing factors, including increased patient complexity, post-pandemic care patterns, revisions to documentation requirements, and improved clinical recognition of medical conditions. Participants generally cautioned against assuming that increases in case mix are solely the result of coding practices and emphasized the complexity of distinguishing documentation improvements from true patient acuity changes. APTA will continue monitoring developments and assessing whether additional engagement with CMS may be necessary as future rulemaking approaches.
• 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule: CMS is expected to release the final 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in early November. APTA will closely analyze several key provisions, including proposed practice expense methodology changes that could provide long-term payment improvements for physical therapy services and proposed Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) changes that received significant stakeholder opposition. Members were encouraged to watch for APTA's analysis and communications following publication of the final rule.

PTPAC and Election Update

• Senate Elections and Committee Changes: Control of the Senate remains competitive, with several closely watched races potentially determining chamber control. Regardless of election outcomes, substantial changes are expected on committees of healthcare jurisdiction due to retirements and vacancies. These transitions underscore the importance of maintaining and building relationships with current and future lawmakers.
• House Elections and Committee Changes: Significant turnover is anticipated on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, with numerous vacancies and potential shifts in committee leadership. These changes reinforce the importance of maintaining broad congressional relationships beyond current committee assignments.

Grassroots Update

• Federal Government Affairs Leadership Award: Nominations are open for the Federal Government Affairs Leadership Award. The submission deadline is December 1.
• FAL Appointment Process: The annual FAL appointment process will begin soon. Please use this link and share it with your component president and executive director for 2027 appointments.
• APTA Advocacy Network Newsletter: Review and share the APTA Advocacy Network newsletter with Key Contacts, component leaders, and other interested members.
• 2027 APTA Capitol Hill Day: Looking ahead to 2027, FALs are funded to attend APTA Capitol Hill Day (July 26-27) and serve as state leads. The 2027 event will be held in conjunction with APTA Leadership Congress and the House of Delegates and will feature a modified schedule with training on Monday evening and Capitol Hill meetings on Tuesday.
• 2027 Meeting Schedule: Preliminary meeting dates for 2027 were shared. Most calls will continue to occur on the last Wednesday of each month, with select adjustments made to accommodate APTA Capitol Hill Day preparations and holiday schedules (July, November, and December).

Congressional Update

• Election and Congressional Outlook: Significant turnover is expected in both chambers due to retirements, members seeking other offices, and competitive races across the country. With Congress adjourned and Election Day approaching, members were reminded that all House seats and a portion of Senate seats will be contested. Election results will significantly influence the legislative agenda and priorities during both the lame-duck session and the next Congress.
• Lame-Duck Session Expectations: Congress is expected to return following the election with several major items still unresolved. Current government funding expires on December 11, requiring congressional action. In addition, congressional leaders continue discussing the possibility of a year-end healthcare package, although the size and composition of any package remain uncertain and will likely depend on election outcomes.
• Potential Healthcare Legislation: Congressional discussions continue regarding health care extenders and other healthcare priorities that could be included in year-end legislation. The legislative environment remains fluid, with retiring lawmakers and outgoing members potentially creating additional momentum for certain policy initiatives before the end of the Congress.