As a long practicing physical therapist in the state of Virginia, I appreciate the need for quality continuing education that is both accessible and affordable. Sentara is an accredited health care provider in the state of Virginia and therefore should not be restricted from offering CEU rated education to both its staff and the public. I agree with the petition to change the current language and allow Sentara and similarly accredited organizations to provide continuing education to physical therapist and physical therapy assistants in the state of Virginia.

I would ask that the agency amend the rule (18VAC112-20-131) regarding who can provide educational experiences to include health care organizations accredited by any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved accrediting body empowered to deem CMS accredited provider status.   I have been a practicing phsical therapist for many year and Sentara has always provided high quality educational programs for staff and outside therapists as well.  The ability to attend more educational programs closer to home helps therapists working for Sentara and other facilities to continue to update skills and provide the highest quality care to our patients.

I support this ammendment. It would benefit our health care community as a whole by providing easy access for continuing education thus keeping our therapy providers up on current techniques and evidence based practice.

Request the board of physical therapy approve the request to include additional organizations for continuing education.

Over eleven years ago, when the board approved Joint Commission as the accredition body, it was the only organization with statutory authority to accredit hospitals under CMS. But in 2008 (CMS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved DNV to accredit hospital organizations. Since that time more hospitals have moved from JC accreditation to DNV  accreditation. However,  regulation 18 VAC 112-20-131 doesn't allow for that change. As result, organizations accredited by DNV can no longer provide type I continuing education for its employees. Further, this increases the cost to the organization due to it has to pay another organization to approve its continuing ed programs.

Amending this reg has no impact on quality care, nor does it cost the board any additional expense. However, failure to approve will the increase the expense of continuing education for all employees of organizations not accredited by JC.

Please approve. Thank-you

Winston Pearson