II.   Government Affairs Committee (revised 11/07)

      A.   Composition: The Government Affairs Committee is composed of at least 6 members representing to the extent possible the various regions of the state.

      B.   Purpose: To monitor, inform members of and respond to legislation and regulatory issues pertaining to health care, particularly those which have potential impact on physical therapy practice.

      C.  Committee Meetings: At least 1 time per year and additional meetings as needed.

      D.  General Duties/Functions:

            1.   Monitor legislation, both state and federal which pertain to health care.

            2.   Inform membership of status of health care legislation.

            3.   Develop at the direction of MPTA Board of Directors or membership position papers for use in lobbying for particular legislation.

            4.   Develop and implement revisions for the Missouri Physical Therapy Act.

            5.   Prepare comments for regulations which are developing for various health care bills.

            6.   Communications with other professional organizations concerning positions on health care issues.

      E.   Specific Duties:

            1.   Chairmen will notify and prepare agenda for committee meetings.

            2.   Prepare and distribute minutes of committee meetings.

            3.   Identify legislative issues which pertain to physical therapy. 

 4.   Assign individuals to monitor progress of specific bills.

5.   Recommend to the MPTA Board of Directors a lobbyist to represent our profession in Jefferson City.

      F. Reports:

            1.   Prepare quarterly written/oral reports for Board of Directors.

            2.   Prepare reports for Newsletter.

            3.   Prepare report for membership meetings.

            4.   Prepare legislative year-end summary for July Newsletter

      G. Expenditures/Budget:

            1.   Keep accurate record of expenses of committee and submit reimbursement requests to treasurer on appropriate form and with receipts.

            2.   Prepare budget request for committee.