2012 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT

Submitted by Debora Oliveira, Ph.D., OTR/L

July 12, 2012

Centennial Vision Element
1.d. Promote collaboration with the OT Practice Board / 1.d.1 Maintain communication with the OT Practice Board about state regulations / Either the lobbyist or the government affairs coordinator has attend 80% of the practice board meetings.
1. d.2. Support actions relevant to the services and regulations of OT in FL by sending letters of support, making calls, etc. / The lobbyist continues to monitor all activities of the practice board. He notifies the government affairs coordinator of any proposed changes. No significant activity this year from the practice act board which required personal contact.
1. d.3. Create and implement a plan to have a FOTA member present at each meeting of the OT Practice Board. / At this time, the FOTA lobbyist or the government affairs coordinator has attended meeting.
2. c. Announce and recruit members for government affairs committee. / 2. c.1. Create a recruitment plan; recruit and orient members with relevant knowledge and skills. / Plan to have a special section in FOCUS for government affairs in the fall. Will also send a blast email to assist in recruiting members to assist with relevant issues.
3. c. Increase effective membership participation in the legislative process. / 3.c.1. Develop and implement a plan to practitioners and educators when a political issue that impacts OT practice arises. Members will advocate with a unified voice for clients and the profession in a timely, knowledgeable and appropriate manner. / Use blast emails to inform members of important legislative issues. Encourage participation through the email and direct to FOTA website. A quiet legislative year in 2012 for OT issues, however, with the affordable healthcare law, will need to increase member participation in assuring OT is a covered service in health care plans.
5. c. Promote the benefits of occupational therapy to the public. / 5. c.1. Provide consumer information on the FOTA website and a link to the AOTA website. / Need to update website for consumer information in 2013.