I strongly oppose this petition, which would decrease the safety of Virginia physical therapy clinics and practice for patients, providers, and staff. 

1. Wearing a well-fitting face mask helps prevent the spread of covid-19, a life-threatening illness which has caused over 20,000 deaths in our commonwealth (as counted by our own Virginia Department of Health). 

2. Every person in a physical therapy clinic has the right to expect their providers to provide a safe environment in which to work and in which to give and receive physical therapy care. 

3. Health care providers licensed by the state of Virginia need to be able to follow policies of insurers or organizations they are affiliated with, and must be able to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, local health departments, and the Virginia Department of Health. This is necessary to maintain relationships based on trust and safety, without which we can not provide effective care. 

4. A complete and thorough medical history is relevant and necessary to provide comprehensive care. Physical therapy is typically not emergency medicine and it does not take priority over potentially lifesaving measures such as covid vaccination. Also, health care providers have the right to preserve their own health and safety by not exposing themselves to unmasked, unvaccinated individuals. There is also a responsibility to protect other people present in the clinic. 

5. The Board of Physical Therapy has a responsibility to keep everyone safe while providing, receiving, or being near physical therapy. This petition would make that impossible during this ongoing covid crisis. 

Thank you for your time.