Public Policy

Question 1

Why is public policy important to OT?

Answer 1

• Serves public purposes and problems.
• Allows OT to solve/serve
• Impacts OT reimbursement, education/training, civil rights, research and literature.

Question 2

Which reimbursement policies/programs impact OT?

Answer 2

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• State insurance mandates

Question 3

What education/training AND civil rights programs impact OT?

Answer 3

• Allied Health programs
• Diversity
• Maternal/Child Health
• ADA, IDEA
• Mental health parity

Question 4

What research programs impact OT?

Answer 4

• CDC
• NIH
• AoA

Question 5

How does licensure impact OT?

Answer 5

• Public/professional protection
• Provides OT with authority and recognition
• State level

Question 6

What is a legislation/bill?

Answer 6

• Proposals for potential laws

- Prime time to advocate

Question 7

What is a law?

Answer 7

-Proposal that has passed and been signed

Question 8

What is a regulation?

Answer 8

• It is the interpretation and implementation of a law
• Agencies: DOE, CMS, DHHS
• Agencies operationalize laws in ‘plain language’
• Agencies must involve public: publish proposed ‘rules’

Question 9

Describe the legislative process

Answer 9

• Issue/policy suggestion
• Sponsor for bill
• Referral to committee
• House/senate floor
• To other chamber

Question 10

Explain the law creation process

Answer 10

• Find sponsor and supportive co-sponsors
• Identify appropriate committees
• Use wise timing (re/authorization, deliberations)
• Advocate for bills you support

Question 11

What are VA representatives called?

Answer 11

• Delegates

- Senators

Question 12

How do relationships with legislators impact the OT community?

Answer 12

• Show best practices on health, function, community
• Enhance professional identity, integrity, and visibility through use of OT
• Show the flexibility, values, diversity of OT
• Show how OT can solve public problems and meet needs by impacting peoples’ lives
• Demonstrate cost-effectiveness of OT in preventing excess disability and need for costly services

Question 13

What is our role as an OT in regards to public policy?

Answer 13

• Stay informed
• Be proactive
• Protect our profession and patients
• Advocate for change
• CHANGE THE FUTURE!!!!!!!