APTA Nebraska Podcast
The APTA Nebraska Podcast dives into the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping physical therapy in our state. We’re here to advance, promote, and protect the practice of physical therapy, build our community, and optimize the health and quality of life for all Nebraskans.
APTA Nebraska Podcast
E18 - Chapter Updates with President Nick Weber
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Payment isn’t just a line item; it’s the backbone of access, workforce stability, and clinical viability. We break down how APTA’s 2030 strategy centers on reimbursement, why Nebraska is aligning closely with those priorities, and what that means for clinics from Omaha to the Panhandle. The throughline is simple and urgent: fair payment helps patients start sooner, keeps practices open, and makes it possible for new grads to stay in the profession they trained for.
We also spotlight a surge of advocacy from students and young professionals around the federal “professional” designation that affects graduate loan access for PT, OT, nursing, and PA programs. Thirty thousand messages in a week moved the needle and drew legislative attention, showing how coordinated action can reshape policy conversations. On the state front, we unpack LB1012, a bill granting PTs the ability to file medical liens after events like auto accidents or falls. That change lets patients begin therapy immediately while giving clinics confidence they’ll be reimbursed once settlements close—a practical fix that reduces delays and downstream costs.
Looking ahead, we preview February 3 Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We close with professional growth highlights: a spring conference in Omaha featuring an Oxford debate on competency-based education, plus member courses in digital health, wearables, AI, and primary care PT that connect directly to evolving practice. Subscribe and share to help more colleagues plug in!
Welcome to the APTA Nebraska Podcast, where we dive into the stories, challenges, and innovations shaping physical therapy in our state. We're here to advance, promote, and protect the practice of physical therapy, optimizing the health and quality of life for all Nebraskans. Join us as we connect with experts, share insights, and build community throughout our profession. Welcome back to the APTA Nebraska podcast. My name is Brad Dexter, your host, and I've got Nick Weber with us today to give another update from the president's desk. Nick, how are you doing?
SPEAKER_01:Doing great, Brad. Thanks for having me back.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, glad to have you. You know, as is our custom, uh when you come on, we're we're trying to give updates uh from a practice perspective, from an advocacy perspective, and then just in general, what's going on within APTA Nebraska that our members need to be aware of? Um so let's go ahead and let's just kind of start out uh maybe from the national level. I know that the APTA has been working on uh strategic planning materials, and some of those came out via email a few weeks ago. Uh you were talking to me about the fact that you sat in on a meeting uh recently about some of that information. Do you want to just share with our membership what you found out?
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, they've so they've laid out their framework on uh what that's gonna look like, uh targeting 2030 for this proposal and plan. Um and I, you know, I think encouraging to a lot of us, their primary focus is reimbursement and just addressing uh a challenge that has been there for years now and uh something that membership has been calling for, that we need to all get behind kind of a central theme while not losing sight of all the other things that are important, right? Member value, uh retention, research, or students, all those things are still included. Uh, but the meeting that I attended recently was really about now we've got this framework laid out and uh with some some ideas on what the outcomes are, uh, but then how do we how do we put these into action? And so uh they wanted to hear about barriers at the state level, uh both at you know and the national level, and just see how individual states could assist. And I think at the same time, what they're really looking for is uh, you know, unity among state plans. And so we're actually in Nebraska, of course, also currently uh working through our strategic plans. Um, our membership would have seen that call recently, right at the end of 2025. So, you know, I think we're hearing similar things at the state level of you know, what things can we do around reimbursement at the state level? And uh we hear that loud and clear. And so I think when we release our strategic plan in April at the conference, um our membership will see uh similarities compared to that national plan. And I think I think that's that's a good thing on the on the overall.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, if I'm remembering right, those three priorities, like you said, uh it's it's advancing payment, it's empowering membership, and uh evolving practice too. Um and so I just like you were saying, um I'm assuming you know some of our own strategic plans within the state are gonna align with uh some of those categories too.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, and like I said, I think that's for the best. And I think it just makes sense. I I think it's it's good that uh other states are working in similar capacity, shared, shared messaging. Uh, because we're each state's in a little bit different place, of course. But uh as other states have victories in certain areas, they can share their experiences because a lot of this comes back to advocacy uh and just having a stronger voice.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I mean, advancing payment has been um it's been on the agenda for a long time, right? Uh, but maybe moving it to the top and reinforcing the need for a singular voice is gonna be really, really important.
SPEAKER_01:Absolutely. And I think, you know, I think the challenge, one of the questions that came from the meeting was uh should we be working with other associations in this push for reimbursement? Because I think some of the feeling is sometimes it feels like there's only a singular pot of money and that we're trying to slice up the pie differently and we're just trying to get a bigger slice. Uh, but maybe it comes back to reenvisioning how that bucket of money exists, maybe it in regards to like the whole healthcare insurance system as a whole. Uh, and so looking for opportunities to work with other associations and how to really address healthcare plans in the US as well.
SPEAKER_00:Excellent. Anything else that came out of that strategic planning meeting with APTA?
SPEAKER_01:One thing that came from it was uh an awareness that young professionals are more motivated than they have ever been, which is an absolutely great thing. Uh one of the things that that I heard um that I didn't didn't previously know was that uh on a different topic related to the uh professional designation for our profession um and related to student loans, that there was 30,000 responses in one week sent from APTA's advocacy system to legislators. Um and they attributed a lot of that to young professionals who are very motivated and want their voice heard right now. And I think um it would be in everyone's benefit to leverage that energy and to uh provide that group of new professionals with resources to learn how to continue to advocate and do so effectively for all of these shared concerns.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. And listeners, if if you're not familiar with what's going on in that realm, the Department of Education, um, let it be known that the definition of a professional does not include some of uh what we would think of as professions and professional school students, namely physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant. Um some of those professions were not included in that definition of professional, um, primarily because it was going back to a definition from what, like the 1960s or so?
SPEAKER_01:Long ago, yeah.
SPEAKER_00:And so, you know, even outside of kind of that uh flashmob style advocacy, 30,000 letters, you know, within one week from a lot of our young students. And I know students are really passionate about this right now because it impacts uh what they can take out for loans for for graduate school, right? Um, for professional school. And uh, you know, uh beyond that, we have a number of professions that are kind of banding together and communicating to help advocate to try to make sure that they fall under that professional category as well.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, it's just so great to see that these other associations recognize the value of working together as well. Um they're in the same boat, right? Um students can't afford tuition, then you know they're gonna be driven to other professions, opportunities. Right. Yeah, I mean they're gonna go elsewhere. Um, and that obviously there's a trickle-down effect to that into the workforce, patient access, and it and that's kind of the story that we're trying to tell the Department of Education and our legislators that we hope will get involved. Um, one positive thing there, um, there's still uh, you know, one more public listening session on that. Um, so the decision isn't completely finalized yet. Um, and there has been national legislation introduced that has been co-sponsored by uh Representative Bacon from Nebraska that would change that, that would put in PT, OT, nursing, uh, physicians assistance into the professional designation. So legislators are hearing the call, and uh even though you know it's not directly in their hands, because it's currently sitting with the Department of Education to make that change and can be done on their own. Um love seeing that legislators are hearing the call from their constituents and consider considering legislating this if it if it gets to that point.
SPEAKER_00:Excellent. Uh well, speaking of legislation, we have legislative day coming up uh February 3rd. Is that right?
SPEAKER_01:Yep. Yep. Our state uh advocacy day for our profession is February 3rd. We'll be uh down there at the Capitol again and hosting a breakfast on that morning at Billy's restaurant from 7:30 to about 8.45. The session legislative session starts at nine o'clock. So we'll head over to the Capitol and sit in on that. Uh yeah, but really excited. We're we're of course welcoming all members to come join us. We hope to have a great turnout again. Uh, we've we've had over a hundred people join us the last few years and hope those numbers continue to grow. Uh we always talk, you and I, Brad, always talk about strength and numbers. And so uh I think the actual physical appearance of that is meaningful uh when those legislators can can just see our size and they absolutely love seeing the students that that come to attend as well, um, and having an opportunity to just to speak with them. You know, one of the things our state is focused on right now is retaining these young professionals. And so they want to they want to meet these young students and and uh hear where they're from and what their plans are. Uh and I think they want to, they hope that they'll stick around. And of course that's our hope too.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. And we typically have the breakfast stay around for the session, legislative session um afterwards. And uh are there any bills on the floor right now that are relevant to physical therapy?
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, absolutely. And and we're monitoring uh uh at this time. Um legislation can still be introduced, but that is coming to a close soon. Uh but we do uh APTA Nebraska did organize one particular bill this year. Um, it's LB 1012 that was introduced by Senator Hansen. And what that bill does is it gives physical therapists in the state of Nebraska the ability to apply a medical lien. Uh, this is something that is uh related to a statute in Nebraska where physicians, nurses, chiropractors going back years after, say, a motor vehicle accident, a fall on ice, um, some scenario like that, are able to create a medical lien so that that patient can initiate care right away. And then that provider has the security of knowing that when a settlement is done and over with, that they'll be reimbursed on the back end. So this is something that PTs, of course, treat people after those types of injuries, but a lot of times they're just kind of left waiting for settlements to get finalized and then without a medical lien are stuck kind of working it out with the patient on the back end. Um so with a medical lien in place, it just it provides security, one for the provider, um, especially in rural areas where, you know, maybe that patient doesn't have a lot of options in that private practice, potentially can't take on unknown care without being able to guarantee some reimbursement. Um, as well as it just helps the patient, most importantly, to know I can start care right now. I don't have to wait months for my settlement and then be able to initiate once I know my medical care is gonna be be covered. And as a patient, they can choose their provider.
SPEAKER_00:Excellent. Um, there's a lot going on. That's uh, and that would be a big win if if that would get pushed through. I'm sure there's a sense of security for a number of physical therapists that have dealt with that in the past and um maybe had some rough situations that have come from not having access to that medical aim, too. Um so thanks for working on that. And uh it's great work by uh APTA Nebraska, by the Legislative Affairs Committee. Um, that's wonderful. Uh and then Nick, I think the last thing on our agenda is the fact that conference is coming up in April, right? April 10th and 11th. The 10th is our banquet Friday evening in April. Uh and the 11th uh has all of our courses that day, correct?
SPEAKER_01:That's right. Yeah, we're uh back in Omaha this year for the conference at Trudelson Center UMC. Uh so yeah, like you said, banquet uh Friday night. And then a full day of uh courses available to attendees on Saturday. Uh so looking forward to a great event. Uh, and I know the courses have been approved. I think we're just working out a few last-minute details, but hoping that registration opens by the end of the month so people can get that booked and start getting uh that on their calendar. Come join us.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, any anything exciting for Friday night at the banquet? Or are you doing karaoke or anything like that?
SPEAKER_01:I think that might turn people away actually. Uh yeah, we'll have a we'll have uh similar uh kind of schedule. Of course, we'll have uh a full buffet of hors d'oeuvres and uh uh open bar for those that are uh of age. And then um we're planning another Oxford debate again this year. And I I think the topic is going to be competency-based education, which should be a fun topic, fun discussion, as well as uh probably a topic that maybe not everyone is as familiar with. So a good opportunity to even learn a little bit at the banquet uh and kind of understand maybe where some are pointing the profession to go. Uh and we'll see where that kind of debate goes. I think it should be a fun opportunity.
SPEAKER_00:Can can you give me the like, you know, elevator speech at a fifth grade level of what competency-based education is and and why our membership should care about that?
SPEAKER_01:Oh, I'll do my best. So I something competency-based education is something that is not necessarily new to the uh health field, but maybe more to our specific profession, something that medical schools have been doing for a long time. The best way I can summarize it is it's about making uh it's about the learner, first and foremost, right? So it's about gearing education toward more of a true competency and right, so the competencies can be defined, uh, but making it like clinically relevant. So we want students to be able to move through programs at a pace that's appropriate for them. Okay. And so for those students that are maybe more advanced who have to wait for semester by semester in a very structured curriculum to complete their program, if they're moving forward faster or are ready to move forward faster, maybe they could do that. Maybe programs could be designed in such a way where that student could start maybe even some residency-based education early. On the flip side of that, if a student is struggling or falling behind a little bit, a program that's designed to provide them with additional resources without saying, hey, you failed this course, you're stopped, and you got to wait a year or whatever to restart that course. Okay. So it's really, it's really geared toward the learner and creating a little bit more flexibility. Um, I expect the debate to highlight all of those things in better ways than I can, um, but to also point out some of the pros and cons that go with changing our current model.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. I that was well done. I don't know that it was 30 seconds elevator speech, but I you did much better than I could have. So thank you.
SPEAKER_01:I usually can't do anything quickly, right? You should know that.
SPEAKER_00:And hey, listeners, if you want to know more, come to the debate, the Oxford debate, on Friday night, April the 10th. Uh, it should be fun. Um, anything else that's relevant for our listeners, Nick, that you want them to know?
SPEAKER_01:You know, if I can just I'm gonna circle back to advocacy one more time, just because I love to plug our wins when we have them. Uh last year, this is just coming to me now. Um, I want to remind everybody at the end of last year, the federal government approved about$60 billion worth of um funding to support the Medicaid programs at the state level. And in Nebraska, we specifically passed a bill, LB 527, to draw down federal funds if they were available. Now, we passed the bill not knowing if the funding would still be there. Um, but it turns out they did approve funding. Now, we don't know exactly what funding will be designated for Nebraska, um, but that was a big win for us because that legislation was specifically drawing down funds for non-hospital providers that take care of patients in the Medicaid system. Um, so we're waiting for the governor to release his budget uh bill probably later this month. And we expect to see specifics around what Nebraska is being given in support for our Medicaid system. Uh so a big win for us, uh, something that there was some just uncertainty around, even after the governor signed it into law last year. But uh hope that those that are currently in network in the Medicaid system will stay and know that there is some support coming to help balance uh the lack of reimbursement that has been there historically.
SPEAKER_00:That's a good call back. Um, and just reminding us of that too. I have a few final things before we wrap up here. Uh, just some membership benefits from APTA. There are a couple courses that I just wanted to highlight that came out in an email recently. But uh, you know, if you are practicing telehealth or you enjoy technology and you're trying to leverage that within the clinical setting, there is a course for expanding your digital health expertise. So it doesn't just highlight telehealth, it's also including digital tools, ads, wearables, and AI. Uh so, you know, if you want to be kind of on the forefront of how to use AI within the clinic setting, this might be a great course for you through the APTA. And another one that's relevant, I'm thinking back to our state conference last year, and there was um Amber Harrington did a course on primary care physical therapy, and there is an APTA primary care certificate. So if you are interested in learning more about that, you want to advance practice and evolve our practice within our state, as that is one of those three strategic areas from the APTA, that might be another one to look into. And uh just as a membership benefit this month, uh if you run a PT clinic or even have personal shipping needs, if you're an APTA member, you can save with UPS. You can enroll to receive 65% off any domestic next day or deferred service and 42% off ground commercial and residential services. Uh so again, if you're an APTA member, that's a benefit that's available to you. Uh save on your shipping needs. I get I get no financial kickback for that, uh, but I think I could, I think I could maybe like do a commercial, right?
SPEAKER_01:You got the voice for it, my man.
SPEAKER_00:Do it. All right. Um without further ado, we'll wrap things up. Nick, thanks for your time. And listeners, thanks for tuning in. Thanks for tuning in to the APTA Nebraska podcast. Stay connected with us for more conversations to elevate our profession and improve the lives of Nebraskans. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion. Because together, we're driving the future of physical therapy forward.
