HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-4629

HR 4629

ByRepresentatives Macri, Cody, Simmons, Schmick, Santos, Orcutt, Fitzgibbon, Leavitt, and Ryu

WHEREAS, Since 1921, physical therapists have served patients in military and civilian sectors; and

WHEREAS, More than 10,000 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are currently licensed in Washington; and

WHEREAS, Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants treat patients or clients in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, homes, schools, fitness facilities, skilled nursing facilities, military and veterans facilities, and employer-based settings; and

WHEREAS, Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants provide cost-effective proven therapy to improve movement, decrease pain, and reduce the need for opioid prescriptions; and

WHEREAS, Washington residents have been able to receive physical therapy services without referral since 1988; and

WHEREAS, Washington's three accredited doctor of physical therapy programs and six accredited physical therapist assistant programs are educating students to meet the movement and functional needs of Washingtonians for the coming generations; and

WHEREAS, Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants have faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic head on, treating the most vulnerable, building on their proud history of work in the polio pandemic, and playing an essential role in treating people who are beginning to recover from the most severe effects of the novel coronavirus, both during their time in the hospital and after they leave, for as long as it takes to improve function;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize physical therapists and physical therapist assistants for their dedication to improving the health of society over the past 100 years; and further recognize that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are essential partners in meeting the future health and wellness needs of our country.