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2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Includes Two Major Wins for Therapy Providers

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APTA advocacy leads to impactful policy wins that will reduce administrative burden, improve access, and provide more flexibility to the therapy workforce.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Reducing administrative burdens, ensuring patient access in rural and underserved areas, and providing flexibilities for a challenged therapy workforce have long been policy priorities for the American Physical Therapy Association. Now, with the recent release of the Centers for Medicare & Centers for Medicaid Services 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, some of these priorities are being adopted to better support physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and their role in improving the health of Medicare beneficiaries.

The 2025 fee schedule contains two significant policy wins for the physical therapy profession advocated for by APTA, in the areas of PTA supervision and plan of care certification.

Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants: The supervision requirement for physical therapist assistants under Medicare Part B will change from the current outdated direct supervision requirement to general supervision. This change will finally align outpatient settings with the general supervision policies in place in all other Medicare settings. What’s more, 49 states already permit general supervision of PTAs under state licensure laws, meaning Medicare’s direct supervision requirement in the outpatient setting was more burdensome than most state licensure requirements. This change will provide more flexibility for the therapy workforce and ensure access to therapy services for millions of Medicare beneficiaries, especially in rural or underserved areas, where beneficiaries are 50% more likely to receive therapy from a PTA. The language in the final rule mirrors the APTA-backed legislation introduced in the 118th Congress, titled the EMPOWER Act, that would require CMS to make this long-advocated for change.

Therapy Plan of Care Certification Requirement Reform: An exemption is being provided to the current burdensome plan of care signature requirement for outpatient therapy services provided under referral from a physician. Under current CMS policy, physical therapists are required to send their plans of care to the referring physician, who has 30 days to sign off on the services that the referring physician ordered in the first place. If the 30-day deadline is approaching and the physician still hasn’t returned the signed plan of care, it has been up to the physical therapist to obtain that signature. Without it, the PT is faced with not being paid by Medicare or stopping patient treatment, which can result in interruptions in care. Under the new exemption, the plan of care certification signature requirement will be deemed satisfied if the physical therapist simply submits the plan of care to the patient’s referring physician within 30 days of the initial evaluation; PTs no longer need to obtain the physician’s signature. This change comes after APTA advocacy during the CMS comment period and mirrors the APTA-backed legislation introduced in Congress, titled the REDUCE Act.

“After years of advocacy, APTA is pleased that CMS has finally responded to our recommendations to improve patient access to essential therapist services and ease administrative burden at a time when physical therapy practices are struggling, given the year-over-year cuts to the fee schedule,” said APTA President Roger Herr, PT, MPA. “The change in supervision requirements enables PTAs to practice at the top of their license, acknowledging their crucial role in patient care and support to therapy clinics. Reducing unnecessary administrative plan of care requirements allows PTs to focus on patient care instead of paperwork. These two policy changes in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule are critical to supporting physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.”

The 2025 rule also finalized a reduction to the fee schedule’s conversion factor. As in previous years, the budget-neutral policy has led to another cut to the conversion factor that impacts all providers paid under the physician fee schedule, including physical therapists. Unless Congress intervenes — which it has done several times in past years — the 2025 conversion factor will be $32.3562, a 2.83% decrease from 2024.

It is now up to Congress to stop the impending 2.83% cut from being implemented in January 2025. In a bipartisan effort to address this, APTA-supported legislation, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, was introduced in the U.S. House on Oct. 29. If enacted, it would provide a 4.73% payment boost to the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule’s conversion factor.

“The continued reduction to payment for therapy services under the fee schedule underscores the need to overhaul Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule, and APTA will keep up the fight to advocate for full-scale reform,” Herr added. 

The American Physical Therapy Association represents more than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students nationwide. Visit apta.org to learn more.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule-includes-two-major-wins-for-therapy-providers-302294523.html

SOURCE American Physical Therapy Association

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Celebrate 40 Years of the UAE and China’s Diplomatic Relations at the Upcoming ‘Building bridges for the future UAE & China’ Event in Abu Dhabi

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November 1, 2024

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Taking place on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche from November 1st to 3rd, ‘Building bridges for the future UAE & China‘ will host a series of interactive workshops, live performances, cultural displays, and culinary experiences

ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The distinguished “Building Bridges for the Future: UAE-China” event, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration between the UAE and China, will be held in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Taking place over three days, from November 1 to 3, on Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Corniche, this landmark event commemorates 40 years of enduring partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China.

The event’s theme, “Reflecting on The Past, Present, and Future,” pays tribute to the deep-rooted ties, milestones, and collaborative spirit that have defined the UAE-China relationship since 1984. The UAE currently maintains two diplomatic representative offices in China, in Beijing and Shanghai, and this strong bond has continued to develop over the past number of years, with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed visiting China in June of this year.

What to Expect

Visitors to the Corniche will instantly be immersed in a rich tapestry of Emirati and Chinese culture, with interactive workshops that invite attendees to explore traditional crafts from both nations. Through hands-on activities like calligraphy, fan painting, and basket weaving, guests can experience the artistry that has been passed down through generations, celebrating the shared values of craftsmanship and heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the soulful notes of traditional Emirati Oud music and the dynamic moves of the Tai Chi, and Kung Fu, with each display honouring the distinct cultural essence of its origin.

Artisan stalls situated along the Corniche will display handcrafted goods from Emirati and Chinese artists, providing an intimate view into each nation’s cultural richness. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, a roaming Dragon Dance and Al-Ayyala performers will weave through the crowds, filling Abu Dhabi’s Corniche with the colours, sounds, and spirit of celebration, embodying the unity at the heart of the UAE-China partnership.

Join the Celebration

When: November 1st to 3rd
Timings: from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM for all days
Where: Abu Dhabi’s Corniche
Buy tickets online here: https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/95487/building-bridges-for-the-future

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/celebrate-40-years-of-the-uae-and-chinas-diplomatic-relations-at-the-upcoming-building-bridges-for-the-future-uae–china-event-in-abu-dhabi-302294556.html

SOURCE Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

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URGENT CALL TO BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO FUND ALTERNATIVES TO BURN PITS

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November 1, 2024

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Billions going to help VETS with medical conditions caused by toxic exposure, but not enough being done to prevent the current and next generation from falling to same

BATAVIA, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Eco Waste Solutions™  (EWS), a leader in deployable waste management technology, calls on the Biden administration to ensure military service members never again face the health risks associated with toxic burn pits. Eco Waste Solutions has developed the Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal System (ESWDS) specifically for military use, offering a proven alternative to open burn pits.

Though the Army has invested heavily in ESWDS testing and has contracted EWS to supply units for safe waste disposal in combat zones, funding limitations jeopardize the future production of this critical equipment. Since 2021, only ten of the planned 236 units have been procured, with the production line set to close by June 2025 without further investment.

“A modest $9 million increase in the Army’s budget could ensure ongoing ESWDS availability and prevent a return to harmful burn pits in future conflicts and act as a bridge until the defense department can budget for the program,” says Jean Lucas, President and CEO of Eco Waste Solutions. “The effects of burn pits are well-documented and devastating, and we have a ready, deployable solution. This investment would safeguard troop health and sustain a skilled workforce in Batavia, New York.”

With bipartisan support, including the PACT Act’s acknowledgment of burn pit health impacts, Eco Waste Solutions is committed to ending the use of open burn pits in the military once and for all. By fully funding the ESWDS, the administration can honor this commitment and ensure long-term health protection for our troops.

For more information, visit ecosolutions.com.

About Eco Waste Solutions:
Since 1993, Eco Waste Solutions™ has been delivering thermal waste conversion solutions to companies, communities, governments and military organizations around the world. From world-leading products, to specialized engineering and technical services, we help thermal waste conversion projects thrive. Our environmental technologies have diverted millions of tons of garbage from landfills, while recovering valuable materials, and generating over half a million megawatts of energy, while protecting the public from infectious disease, and other hazards. The company has operations in Burlington, Ontario and Batavia, New York.
www.ecosolutions.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urgent-call-to-biden-administration-to-fund-alternatives-to-burn-pits-302294572.html

SOURCE Eco Waste Solutions

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LITE ACCESS AMENDS CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE MATURITY DATE AND EXTENDS EXCLUSIVITY WITH IRONMAN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

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November 1, 2024

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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – LITE ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“Lite Access”) (TSXV: LTE) (OTC: LTCCF), a world leader in the fibre optic products and advanced installation methodologies, announces it will extend the maturity date of previously issued convertible debentures in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Debentures”) from November 22, 2024 to November 22, 2026 (the “New Maturity Date”).  The New Maturity Date has been approved by all of the holders of the Debentures.

The principal amount of the Debentures will continue to bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum and be convertible at a conversion price of $0.10 per share (see news release dated November 22, 2022).  Other than the New Maturity Date, no other terms of the Debentures were amended.

The New Maturity Date is subject to acceptance of the Exchange.

Update on Ironman Transaction

The Company also announces that the Company and Ironman have agreed to further extend the exclusivity period until December 31, 2024, in relation to its proposed acquisition of Ironman and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ironman Direction Drilling Ltd., an experienced provider of directional drilling (the “Transaction”), which was previously announced in the news release dated May 5, 2023.  Ironman is currently finalizing the audit of its financial statements and the parties intend to enter into the definitive agreement in November 2024.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of key conditions including entry into a definitive agreement between Lite Access and Ironman, completion of due diligence of the parties, shareholder approval, TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) final approval and other conditions customary for this type of Transaction. The Company will issue a subsequent news release upon entry into a definitive share purchase agreement with Ironman.

About Lite Access

Lite Access Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the use of innovative and proven micro/narrow trenching technologies, alternate methods of deployment and specialist products which transform the cost the network deployment for telecommunications operators.

As part of its suite of services Lite Access provides clients with integrated solutions or select components for the design and implementation of fibre optic networks.  Lite Access’ products have been deployed in many high-profile communication networks including Olympic facilities, military and government, numerous communities throughout the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada as well as global telecommunications companies that have adopted Lite Access as the “solution of choice” for the least invasive, most cost effective and future-proof fibre optic connectivity available.

Lite Access’ installation technology and proprietary products extend a network provider’s ability to deliver true broadband connectivity directly to end-users, such as homes, businesses, government and educational institutions, and emergency response facilities. Lite Access remains flexible and innovative in its commitment to provide global clients and partners with the most cost effective and proven fibre connectivity solutions available.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Lite Access uses words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “likely”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by Lite Access in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to Lite Access’ expectations and predictions is subject to any number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties.  Many factors could cause Lite Access’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties described in Lite Access’s most recent Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) for the financial year ended September 30, 2023 which can be accessed at www.sedarplus.com. The “forward-looking statements” contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release and, unless required by applicable law, Lite Access undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Lite Access Technologies Inc.

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