RA Corner

Hello DCOTA!

As we are preparing to head to New Orleans, LA, I wanted to update you all on what took place at our Fall Meeting in November, as we head to our Spring Meeting this week. 

Summary of the RA Fall Online Meeting November 5–12, 2018

The Representative Assembly (RA) met online from November 5–12, 2018. There was a request to suspend the rule (#10) requiring RA members with voice and no vote to post “voice/no vote” each time they engaged (posted) in debate. The motion to suspend this rule was defeated, and the Rules of the Day were adopted as originally posted. 

The outcome of voting on action items included in the meeting agenda was as follows: 

Motion to Update Policy E.6 Entry-Level Education of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants: Postponed. A motion to postpone action until Spring 2019 was adopted following discussion that additional information was needed prior to making a decision on the educational point of entry. 

Approval of Dual-Entry of Practice for OT and OTA Education (Ad Hoc Committee):Adopted. This motion will establish an ad hoc committee to gather information to adequately inform members of the RA in order to discuss and vote on educational point of entry for the OT and OTA. 

Survey to Obtain Data as to Level of Constituent Support of Entry Level: Adopted. This motion requires that the Speaker request the Board of Directors to authorize a survey regarding level of support from stakeholders for a single point of education entry for the OT and OTA. 

Preparing for the Faculty Workforce of the Future:Adopted. This motion will establish an ad hoc committee to examine the current and future OT and OTA faculty workforce for the purpose of making a fully informed decision about the capacity of delivering entry-level education at the OTD level and baccalaureate level. 

Motion to Modify Article III Section 4 of the Official Bylaws of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. Related to Conditions for Membership Revocation: Defeated. This motion was defeated following discussion that it was important to maintain a fair process of membership termination that includes the right of the member to present evidence to protect her or himself. 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:01 pm on November 12, 2018. 

At our Spring 2019 Meeting beginning on Wednesday afternoon and ending Thursday afternoon, we will be taking on the following (3) motions: 

·     Motion 1: A Motion to Update Policy E.6 Entry-Level Education of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Secure/Governance/RA/2019-spring-meeting/Motion1_Update_PolicyE6_Entry_Level_Edu.pdf

·     Motion 2: A Motion to Update Policy E.6 Entry-Level Education of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Secure/Governance/RA/2019-spring-meeting/Motion2_Policy_Rec_vs_Mand_Edu_Levels.pdf

·     Motion 3: A Motion to Update Policy E.6 Entry-Level Education of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Secure/Governance/RA/2019-spring-meeting/Motion3_OTA_Edu_and_Prac_Expansion.pdf

Feel free to send me any questions or concerns regarding those motions. After the meeting adjourns, I will send out an update on the conclusion of these motions. 

I look forward to seeing you all in New Orleans! 

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Alisha M. Williams, MS, OTR/L

DC RA Representative 

Occupational Therapist

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) has determined that the entry-level-degree requirement for the occupational therapist will remain at both the master’s and the doctoral degree. The Council’s decision is based on a comprehensive
review of available literature, specific reports, and extensive commentary from stakeholders. The overarching justifications for the Council’s decision are: (1) limited outcomes differentiate master’s and doctorally prepared graduates; (2) the academic infrastructure of many institutions is not sufficient to meet the occupational therapy doctorate standards, especially with respect to faculty resources and institutional support; (3) the readiness and capability of
institutions to deliver quality fieldwork and experiential components of the program is constrained; and (4) retaining two entry levels allows for flexibility of the profession to assess and address the changing health care needs of individuals and populations.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) has determined that the entry-level-degree for the occupational therapy assistant will be offered at both the associate and bachelor’s degree. A motion to move to the single entry-level baccalaureate was defeated, but the motion to move to a dual entry-level for the occupational therapy assistant was approved. The Council’s decision is based on a number of findings, which were informed in significant part by information and commentary from stakeholders, including: (1) the ability to better prepare individuals for further academic advancement and leadership positions; (2) the expansion of opportunities within the current scope of practice; and (3) two entry levels permits additional flexibility to assess and address the changing health care needs of individuals and populations.

Staff is currently working on the required policies and procedures necessary to implement the occupational therapy assistant at the baccalaureate degree level. More information will be available in fall 2015 after consultation with legal counsel.

Key points from the national meeting:

1) RA members met informally with AOTA board to discuss single point of entry OTD. The crowd was mixed on opinions, but there was a consensus that the decision was a done deal. AOTA has taken a position in favor of OTD as single point of entry. However, the RA will not
make this choice, it comes down to ACOTE. The RA members want OT "at the table" but there were also concerns about quality of practitioners, number of practitioners and faculty, cost of OTD, and servicing rural areas.

2) Congress voted on several issues. A position statement on AT was adopted (after many years) and members voted not to add another RA position specific to the military OTs

http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Resources/Leadership-Development-Program-for-Managers.aspx

NOTE:  Web story appears in the May 22 issue of OT Practice and will be announced in the May 22nd 1-minute update.   

Thank you for supporting this effort!