This petition is problematic for the following reasons; it does not empower PTs to make informed decisions on behalf on themselves or their patients, undermines use of guidance from credible sources such as the CDC and Virginia Department of Health, and because the use of these policies have great potential to endanger immunocompromised and/or patients with significant comorbidities.

This petition oversteps and disempowers PTs, and PTAs to collect adequate information to make informed decision to protect their patients. This is entirely unacceptable when their healthcare professionals are expected to make choices that benefit all their patients. The blanket statements suggested above are not adequate or nuanced enough to allow for an acceptable middle ground. There are many alternatives that maybe reached if information may be provided. As we are a healthcare facility, safety is the number one concern over the personal freedoms of the individual. In addition, any personal freedoms of the individual end where the personal freedoms of another begin. The freedom to feel safe in a healthcare environment is of the utmost importance and validity.

This petition’s second clause is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances. Its purpose is to undermine the ability of PTs and PTAs to use the guidelines provided by highly capable and educated agencies such as the CDC, local health departments, and the Virginia Department of Health, whom are regarded as experts. These organizations are also known for pouring significant amount of money into the recent evidence and research. Evidence based medicine is pillar of physical therapy as a whole, so outlawing the use of any protocol based in substantial scientific research and evidence evidence that would be potentially beneficial is unfathomable.

The final and greatest flaw of this petition is that the result of these policies will blatantly lead to the harm patients with secondary conditions which comprises much of the patient base that seeks physical therapy. We have a responsibility to our patients to ensure that the healthcare facility in which they are receiving care is as safe as possible. There are many patients and providers alike, both young and old, who have secondary health conditions (related to and unrelated why they are receiving treatment) who are genuinely threatened by COVID-19. I support personal choice, however healthcare providers should have the power to make decisions in the best interests of our patient population as a whole. There are many clinics who see high percentages of cancer patients who are on active treatment where this is of the utmost importance. Patients who are immunocompromised deserve their needs to be acknowledged and provided for by their provider instead of at the mercy of the general public.

The Board of Physical Therapist is designed to appropriately empower providers to provide the best and most appropriate care they can offer. The restrictions suggested in this petition are directly in opposition to this purpose. An 18^th century “laisser-faire” attitude is unsatisfactory, and frankly irresponsible as a stakeholder in the care of others. Phrases like “If you are sick, just stay home” and “it will sort itself out” are all together dismissive and lack grounding in the reality of healthcare and the gravity of the situation, millions have died. There are many opportunities for a middle ground to be established where all parties can be satisfied. This policy does not allow for that, and is flawed as stated above and therefore should not be passed.