2025 AKTA + COPS-KT General Assembly Minutes
Friday, Nov 7 at 3:00 pm EST
1. Call to Order
●
President Natalie Williams 3:05 pm
2. Welcome & Review of Agenda
●
President Williams welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the agenda
items for the 2025 General Assembly.
3. Introduction of AKTA Board Members & Executive Director
●
Board members and the Executive Director were introduced to the membership.
4. Reading & Approval of 2024 General Assembly Minutes
●
●
Secretary Evita Perkins presented the 2024 minutes.
The minutes were reviewed and approved as presented.
5. Treasury Report
●
Treasurer Byron Washington provided a brief update on the association’s financial
standing.
●
Members requested ongoing transparency and access to posted reports.
6. Introduction of COPS-KT Board Members
●
COPS-KT Board Members were introduced.
7. Reports from the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy
Coordinator Report – Jerry Purvis
●
●
●
Reviewed the CAATE accreditation process for KT programs.
Shared updates on recent outreach to universities for potential accreditation.
Will continue correspondence with Hector regarding concerns and
recommendations.
Administrative Officer Report – Kareesa Keys
●
Reported 325 certificates of good standing issued, down from 351 last year.●
●
Highlighted the extensive administrative support provided by Bridget Collins during
registration season.
Encouraged members to direct questions to info@akta.org.
Continuing Competency Board – Bridget Collins
●
●
●
●
Over 190 HR requests submitted for review.
14 pre-approved vendors for CE offerings.
24 specialty certifications are currently available.
Bridget will consider adding Corrective Exercise Specialist to the recognized
certification list.
Board of Registration for Kinesiotherapy – Doris Woods
●
●
●
Provided exam and certification updates.
Increased exam fees following renewal of the contract with Measure Learning.
Working with COPS to update documents and guidelines for clarity and alignment.
Kinesiotherapy Center of Excellence Update – Kim Bloch
●
●
●
●
Explained the COE model and KT Equivalency Pathway for individuals with a
master’s degree.
Seeking a date/location for the two-day COE training.
Marketing will begin once logistics are finalized.
Requested member assistance in identifying university and organizational
partners.
●
Will follow up with Hector regarding his interest in contributing to the COE initiative.
8. Strategic Updates & New Business
University & COE Pipeline Expansion
●
Kendall Noble provided an update on university outreach
○
Some institutions expressed interest but cited funding and accreditation
○
○
○
constraints.
Focus now shifting to universities with existing KHEP programs to reduce
barriers.
Plans to reconnect with Tennessee university in Spring/Fall 2026.
Will re-engage other schools after leadership changes.
Members encouraged to reach out to universities and organizations about
KT pathways.
CMS Billing / FOIA Submission Status
●
Kendall outlined the plan for CMS recognition and reimbursement for KT:
○
Legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, and professional advocacy.○
FOIA request to VA will be submitted for data collection and research
○
support.
Preparing materials for congressional outreach.
Meeting to be scheduled with ACSM Executive Director to present COE
and policy goals.
Member Engagement & Communication Plan
●
●
●
Discussion around declining engagement and need for improved communication.
Hector raised concerns regarding transparency and deliverables; recommended a
focus on private practice growth.
Leadership committed to more consistent communication, posting reports, and
strengthening engagement opportunities.
Strategic Partnerships Review
●
●
●
Update on partnership efforts with DV Innovations.
Ongoing discussions with the American Chiropractic Association; AKTA will meet
with their Executive Director to explore collaboration.
Members are encouraged to alert VA education departments of willingness to
review TMS modules for KT.
9. VA Field Advisory Council
●
●
●
●
FAC Co-Chairs Brian Garrison and Kendall Noble provided updates on advocacy
for KT roles within VA.
Diane Waller shared progress on expanding KT responsibilities in MDS
assessments.
Reviewing productivity reports and seeking volunteers to represent specialty areas
across VISNs.
Members encouraged to contact FAC with site-specific KT concerns.
10. Presidential Address
President Williams reflected on:
●
●
●
●
●
The mission of AKTA and the importance of professional unity.
Challenges such as declining membership.
The need for active participation, mentorship, and leadership succession.
Opportunities in expanding KT pathways and pursuing reimbursement models.
Encouraged members to recommit to the profession and to AKTA’s strategic
direction.
11. Closing Remarks & Adjournment
●
●
Members were reminded to place full names in the chat for attendance.
Meeting adjourned at 4:22 pm EST after final questions and acknowledgments.