The WPT Conduit – What Is It & How Does it Work?

What Exactly is the WPT Conduit?

1. The conduit, in simple terms, is a bank account in which your funds are used specifically for political contributions
2. Through the conduit, you make personal contributions to physical therapy friendly candidates and legislators of your choice

Download WPT Conduit Contributor Form

What is the difference between a PAC and a Conduit?

   Both are ways for you to make political contributions – the difference is that when   you contribute to a PAC, the PAC decides where your money will go.  When you contribute to a Conduit, YOU decide where your money will go.  In other words,      your funds are self-directed.  You earmark your contributions and decide whom to        support and for how much.

How Does the Conduit Work?

1. You write a check and make a deposit into the WPT Conduit Account; your balance and all account activities are recorded & maintained by the WPTA office
2. You maintain 100% ownership of your money – only YOU specify where your money is allocated.  Under State Statute, no contribution can be made from your account without your authorization
3. You will be notified periodically of your account balance and may be asked to make another deposit to replenish your account
   

Why Should I get Involved in the WPT Conduit?

1. Each legislative session, hundreds of bills are introduced which can negatively or positively affect our profession  - we need to be politically astute and involved
2. By making financial contributions as part of the WPT Conduit, we are sending a strong message that we support candidates who support the interests of the Physical Therapy profession

    The most obvious and important reason is that as a group, we need to work      together to protect our professional interests

How Do I Know What Candidate or Legislator to Support?

1. The WPT Conduit Administrator will contact you with opportunities to make contributions to candidates and legislators – there are never a shortage of fundraisers
2. You will be provided with sufficient background information on the candidate so you can make an informed decision
3. You make the ultimate decision on who you want to support and the amount of the contribution

How Can My Contribution Make a Difference?

1. Your contribution is pooled with donations from other Conduit members and sent as one total dollar amount from the WPT Conduit.  Your name & individual amount is listed, along with those others, in a letter sent with the WPT Conduit check
2. There is strength in numbers and together you can send a strong message

Here are some examples of our legislative involvement in 2006:

1. Successfully defended the practice of needle Electromyography (EMG) by physical therapists who are certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. This practice area came under attack by the neurologist’s association who wanted to prohibit qualified physical therapists from performing this procedure.
2.  Drafted a bill that would remove the Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board from under the umbrella of the Medical Examining Board and establish an independent Physical Therapy Examining Board. Although time did not allow for this bill to reach a vote in the Legislature, the groundwork has been laid to pursue this in the upcoming session.
3. Constant interaction by members with the Department of Health and Family Services to help draft and revise Medicaid policies in the state regarding prior authorization and reimbursement.
4. Successfully argued to allow direct access to private pay outpatients for physical therapists in a hospital setting.

Download WPT Conduit Contributor Form