APTA New Mexico, A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association

A representative from NY came to Albuquerque to an organizational meeting. These first efforts floundered and in 1950, a second meeting was held with seven members present and officers were elected. The new Association had early success in getting a PT Licensure bill passed and signed into law in 1951 however, due to a constitutional question, a new bill had to be introduced and passed. In 1953, the new bill passed and was signed into law and the PT Licensing Board was appointed. In the early 1950s the polio epidemic was at its peak in the US and in New Mexico. The crippling effects of polio lead to heightened awareness of the role of physical therapy in rehabilitation. In 1955, there were 19 licensed Physical Therapists in the state. By 1972 there were 135 licensed PTs in the state. In June 1975 the first Physical Therapy program at UNM enrolled three students with accreditation obtained in 1976. In 1979, PTAs were licensed. In 1980 the Chapter was incorporated and given 501(c) 6 tax exempt status. With the establishment of the PT program, a scholarship fund for PT students, in honor of Elizabeth Barnett who helped to establish the PT program at UNM, was established by NMAPTA (now called APTA New Mexico). In 1988, a second scholarship fund was established in memorium for Fred Rutan, Director of the UNM PT program at that time. Both scholarships continue today fully supported and funded by APTA New Mexico. In 1989 efforts to obtain direct access to PT services were proposed by the Legislative Committee. Prior to this there was evaluation by PTs without referral by omission in the Practice Act. In 1997, the Direct Care requirements became part of the PT Practice Act. There are currently more than 2000 licensed PTs, PTAs and students of physical therapy in New Mexico. APTA New Mexico continues to be a vital source of support and advocacy for our profession and the patients and clients that we serve.