Event Schedule

February 27, 2026 - 4 CE Hours

Check In

Registration desk opens at noon.

Welcome

Welcome remarks and introductions.

Speaker

Charlotte F. Martin, MPA

Executive Director
Louisiana Physical Therapy Board

Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Updates for PTs and PTAs

This session reviews updates to the Louisiana Practice Act, anticipated rule changes, national APTA Code of Ethics revisions, and regulations governing legend drugs and medical devices, followed by audience Q&A.

Speakers

James "Jim" R. Raines

Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP

Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD

Rutgers University

George Lovecchio

Louisiana Board of Drug and Device Distributors

Break - 15 minutes

Louisiana Legislative Update: Health and Welfare

Members of the Louisiana House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees will provide attendees with an overview of recent legislative activity impacting health and welfare in the state. This session will highlight key issues addressed over the past year, explore current priorities, and offer insight into the legislature’s focus and expectations for 2026.

Speakers

Rep. Annie Spell

Louisiana House of Representatives

Sen. Brach Myers

Louisiana State Senate

Economic and Policy Outlook for Healthcare in Louisiana

This moderated panel will explore the current economic landscape of healthcare in Louisiana. Panelists will examine key trends, emerging challenges, and opportunities shaping the healthcare economy, as well as discuss public policies designed to address these issues. Attendees will gain insight into how policy, regulation, and market forces intersect, and leave with a deeper understanding of strategies and initiatives that may impact healthcare delivery and practice across the state.

Speakers

Drew Maranto

Louisiana Department of Health

Sec. Susana Schowen

Louisiana Works

Moderator

Stephen Barnes, PhD

Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center & UL Lafayette

Attendee and Speaker Reception

February 28, 2026 - 7.5 CE Hours

Check In

Registration desk opens at 7:00 am.

The Future of Physical Therapy: Ethical Considerations, Regulatory Challenges, and Preventative Strategies

This interactive, moderated panel uses a real-world case to explore the future of physical therapy and its evolving regulatory environment. Expert panelists will examine ethical considerations, regulatory risk, and preventative strategies, with opportunities for guided table discussions, report-outs, and audience Q&A. The session is designed to foster practical insight, collaboration, and meaningful application.

Speakers

Meg O'Connor

University of New Orleans

Gabriela Mustata Wilson, PhD, MSc

Louisiana Center for Health Innovation & UL Lafayette

Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD

Rutgers University

Drew Contreras, PT, DPT

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Lunch & Peer Perspectives

Lunch will be provided as we hear from two Louisiana licensed physical therapists who have each dedicated more than 10 years to regulatory service on the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board advisory committee. They will share firsthand insights, reflections on leadership, and the value of professional engagement through long-term service.

Ethics, Wellbeing, and Regulatory Considerations

This session will review recent updates to the APTA Code of Ethics related to practitioner wellbeing, followed by a real-world account highlighting challenges that can arise when support is not sought due to regulatory concerns. Attendees will be guided in identifying personal and professional risk factors, with facilitated discussion and audience Q&A to support reflection and practical awareness.

Speakers

Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD

Rutgers University

Stefanie Simmons, MD

Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation

Break - 15 Minutes

Practitioner Wellbeing: Interactive Roundtable Discussion

This session creates a space for open discussion on practitioner wellbeing through real-world scenarios and facilitated table conversations. Participants will gain practical insight and will also be introduced to a free, board-approved CEU self-reflection tool designed to help identify personal risk factors and support healthy practice.