PROFESSIONAL HARASSMENT IN NEW JERSEY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Brian Mason, PT, DPT, President, American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey

The APTANJ is currently investigating an incident where one of your colleagues, a North Jersey physical therapist, was allegedly called by an out-of-state acupuncturist and threatened because the PT performs the intramuscular technique known as dry needling.  The PT (who is an APTANJ member) will demonstrate this expertise on the television program American Health Front which was scheduled to air on CBS in the NY/NJ Metro Region.

On Thursday, January 8th, the NJ Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NJAAOM) posted an “Action Alert” to their Facebook page asking acupuncturists and their patients “to call CBS and leave a complaint message.”  The NJAAOM sent the same message in an email yesterday.  The NJAAOM offered a script for individuals to use and named the APTANJ member’s practice in the body of the script.

APTANJ has learned that the producers of American Health Front and executives at CBS have received phone calls and emails demanding that the program not air.  The script on the NJAAOM Facebook page (and in the email) also contained a threat which stated that, “…airing the program will lead to countless complaints filed with the FCC.”

The APTANJ is extremely disappointed in the action taken by the NJAAOM to disrupt the business of one our members and the television program in which the PT was to be featured.  We take this issue extremely seriously.  There is no excuse for using intimidation or harassment to inject fear into any healthcare practitioner; especially when done by another individual or professional association.  The APTANJ does not condone this type of behavior nor would we expect it from any member, nonmember, or representative of our Association.

APTANJ has made it clear that we will support our member, their practice, and their upcoming segment on American Health Front.  We have contacted the NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and brought this harassment issue to their attention.  We have also been speaking with leaders at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) about the NJAAOM’s actions against one of your colleagues to make sure that all members are protected and supported.  APTANJ is also in communication with our legal counsel to investigate possible options.

The APTANJ expects all licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in New Jersey to conduct themselves in the highest manner both personally and professionally.  We expect the same from all associations and individuals in which we work with even if we disagree.  As an association, we will not tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying at any level.

Thank you for your membership, your support and the continued advancement of the physical therapy profession in New Jersey.

Respectfully,

Brian J. Mason, PT, DPT