Continuing with a resource series via the JobsTherapy.com Content Staff — this article was originally found via the APTA.

PTAs Will be Authorized TRICARE Providers Beginning Mid-April

In a win for PTAs and OTAs, the Department of Defense has issued a final rule, effective April 16, that establishes them as providers in ways similar to Medicare provisions.

In this review: TRICARE; Addition of Physical Therapist Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants as TRICARE-Authorized Providers (final rule)
Effective date: April 16, 2020

The Big Picture
A big win is finally (nearly) here: The Department of Defense has issued a final rule that establishes PTAs and OTAs as authorized providers under TRICARE, the health insurance system used throughout the military. The rule, set to take effect on April 16, largely follows the PTA approach used by CMS, and includes requirements related to supervision, the reach of state and local law, and the scope of allowable PTA activities. The inclusion of PTAs in TRICARE was a major advocacy focus for APTA. DoD estimates that the cost of increased utilization, along with a first-year implementation cost of $350,000, will be $20 million over five years.

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