US Senator Chuck Grassley Receives PPS Friend of Private Practice Award

The Friend of Private Practice Award goes to those who have shown distinguished contributions of time, energy, or expertise toward promoting the goals of the Section, as well as physical therapist-owned business.

Iowa state Senator Chuck Grassley has displayed these contributions with his work on numerous pieces of legislation.

Known for his dedicated service to his constituents, Senator Grassley has worked tirelessly for Iowans and Americans since he was elected in 1981. Senator Grassley’s legislative expertise has benefited Iowa, including policies for health care, taxes, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy, foster care, the federal budget, education, and more. He secured a group of amendments to the Affordable Care Act that made the health care overhaul apply to members and authored the Congressional Accountability Act that required workplace laws to be applied to Congress.

After PPS brought it to his attention, Senator Grassley introduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy, which would allow physical therapists to bring in another licensed physical therapist to treat patents using Medicare and bill Medicare through a practice provider number during a temporary absence for pregnancy, vacation, or continuing medical education. This bill would improve the continuity of care for patients through expanded “locum tenens” provision for physical therapists.

In August, PPS President Sandy Norby presented the Friend of Private Practice Award to Senator Grassley at an event in their home state.

“I’m honored to receive the 2020 Friend of Private Practice award on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical therapists play an important role in our health care and recovery. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to meet with employees at Okoboji Physical Therapy and learn more about their work and the great impact they have on their patients. I’ll continue to bring the voices of Iowans to the policymaking tables in Washington,” Grassley said.

Senator Grassley is currently working as the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee with the help of Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, to change an interpretation of the CARES Act that prevents businesses (which includes physical therapy) from deducting expenses associated with the Paycheck Protection Program loans.