Advocacy lecture

Question 1

Advocacy Daily Practice Level-

Answer 1

Evidence based, occupation centered interventions
Documenting the value of OT
Communicating clients needs to other members of the team
Explaining to clients how OT can help them

Question 2

Advocacy at a Professional Level-

Answer 2

Practitioner requests referral for a client that would benefit from OT

Establishing journal club with coworkers to promote best practices

Developing programs to met the specific needs of a population (school lunch group, council on aging)

Question 3

Advocacy at the systems level

Answer 3

Becoming a member of AOTA and state OT associations

Writing to members of Congress about an issue affecting the profession

Replying to regulatory agencies requests for comments about proposed rule changes

Meeting with legislations 1:1 in their offices or at public events

Contributing to AOTPAC and their state political action committees

Question 4

Political Action Examples
IDEA

Answer 4

Access to free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities and ensures services to these children.

OT is recognized as a primary service

Question 5

Political action examples
ACA:

Answer 5

Expanded Medicaid coverage to include 138% of poverty level (in 2012 this became optional at state level
Many clients receive OT services through Medicaid. Expansion increases opportunity for OT services

Question 6

Political Action examples
MHPAEA:

Answer 6

Prevents groups health plans and health insurance issuers that provide MH/SUD benefits from imposing less then favorable benefits
OTs work in serving people with MD/SUD

Question 7

Political Action Examples
Medicare Part B Therapy Cap:

Answer 7

Balance Budget Act of 2017 established a cap on services.
Repealed in 2018 by advocacy.

Question 8

AOTA Hill Day is an example of

Answer 8

systems level advocacy

Question 9

Capitol Hill Day is an

Answer 9

annual event organized by AOTA for OT advocates to visit their representatives in Washington, DC

Question 10

AOTA Grassroots Advocacy Learning Intensive (GALI)

Answer 10

Individuals new to advocacy and those looking to go back to basics will benefit from AOTA’s Grassroots Advocacy Learning Intensive.

Intermediate advocates would also benefit from the up-to-date information and participatory experience.

An opportunity to learn more about and participate in widespread grassroots advocacy to protect and promote occupational therapy at the federal level.

Question 11

NYSOTA Advocacy Day

Answer 11

State level advocacy

Students meet with a NY State Legislator (State Senator/State Assembly member) and advocate for a NY State level Bill