Policy at Conference!

Well, here we are at yet another conference and annual meeting! AOTA's Policy Staff has already been hard at work even though the conference officially begins today!

Many of AOTA's governance groups meet at conference and many of them want policy updates and information. On Tuesday, the Executive Director, Fred Somers, reported on the significant accomplishments of AOTA in federal, state, and regulatory issues. He highlighted the change in the Medicare requirement for wheelchair assessments--AOTA won a change advocating that OTs are well trained to do wheelchair evaluations without extra certification. He mentioned the 6-month extension of the cap exception process but also emphasized the need for advocacy to extend that by July 1. He praised state advocacy that led to OTA licensure in Virginia and progress in other states.

Also on Tuesday, Tim Nanof of Federal Affairs and Chuck Willmarth of State and Reimbursement Policy presented to the Association of Affiliated State Presidents on the need for advocacy and other activities to return occupational therapy to mental health. On Wednesday, Tim and Chuck were joined at ASAP by Ralph Kohl, also of State Policy, to present the presidents with an update on issues like the athletic trainers pursuit of recognition, the new home health bill to improve OTs status in home health, and other issues. The state presidents were eager to meet with these staff and ask their questions to empower them when they return home.

In the Representative Assembly, each Task Group had a length discussion about health care reform to provide feedback to policy staff that can inform AOTA's work on Capitol Hill and state capitals.

Everywhere staff goes, people have questions, comments and also give staff a lot of "thank you's" for their advocacy for OT. It is a reward for all our hard work for YOU!

There is never a dull moment! Also, we had a surprise public relations event. The cartoon "Agnes" published a cartoon referencing the AOTA conference! Check it out:
www. arcamax.com/agnes

Christina Metzler
Chief Public Affairs Officer/AOTA