HOUSE MEMORIAL 53

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz" Thomson

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 14, 2013 "PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, physical therapy is recognized in New Mexico as a profession that brings great value to the residents of the state; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapy has been established as an advanced health professional degree, subject to licensure by the state; and

     WHEREAS, more than one thousand nine hundred people are licensed to practice physical therapy in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapy serves the best interests of the public by promoting physical fitness and wellness-oriented programs and by raising awareness of the importance of preventive health; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants contribute to the well-being of individuals of all age groups and populations by using their skills, judgments and interventions to correct impairments and functional limitations and to prevent disabilities related to movement, function and health; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are crucial contributors in addressing anticipated health care provider shortages; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapy prevents "downstream" health care costs, including the cost of surgery and expensive medical testing; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapy provides local jobs to New Mexicans who assist in fueling New Mexico's economy; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapists studying in New Mexico are now required to receive a doctorate in physical therapy, providing even more expertise to the patients they serve; and

     WHEREAS, physical therapy has helped members of the New Mexico house of representatives and their family members to recover from injuries and make a timely return to work and school;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 14, 2013 be declared "Physical Therapy Day" in the house of representatives; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico chapter of the American physical therapy association.

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