From the AOTA Annual Conference

RA Delegate Carrie Mori, Ph.D, OTR/L, BCP reports"

"The AOTA Board of Directors recently prioritized the organization's Centennial Vision goals for the 2012 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2011. The priorities are being shared with AOTA leadership and volunteer bodies to facilitate alignment with the goals for the planning for projects and activities. Please see the detailed report here: http://www.aota.org/Governance/BOD/Priorities-FY2012.aspx  "

Idaho State University was proud to share that the Student

Occupational Therapy Association was recognized by AOTA for their collaboration with IOTA on the popular Treatment Summit continuing education program. The third Treatment Summit was held in early April at the University. 

(please click on the photos to enlarge for better viewing)

Aaron Eakman, Ph.D, OTR/L, Program Director, Idaho State University, Occupational Therapy Program was photographed by AOTA during a poster presentation at the conference.

Legislative Update

House Bill 260

On March 10, the House Health and Welfare Committee without public testimony to discuss and revise House Bill 221. Emerging was new text and  a new bill, House Bill 260 that restored benefits to developmentally disabled adults who were to be retired from services after age 45.

Read the text of the House Bill 260 on the Legislative Page.

On March 14, the House Health and Welfare committee approved the bill and it now forwards to the full House for debate. The bill reduces Medicaid by $35 million for the next fiscal year.

IOTA is in favor of the collaborative approach taken by the Department of Health and Welfare, Medicaid Division, in developing the new program and rules, specifically the Children's Redesign Program. IOTA is monitoring rules for all changes to implementation and reimbursement of all therapy services. 

House Bill 221

On Tuesday, March 8, the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees heard testimony from the public on House Bill 221.

Read the text of House Bill 221 on the Legislative Page..

The bill will align Medicaid reimbursement for OT, PT and speech therapy with Medicare practices. It will revise how OT, PT and speech therapy are delivered in home and community settings allowing clients to receive the right services, at the right time, from the right provider.

We do not believe that the Bill will negatively impact providers of Occupational Therapy services that are deemed medically necessary.  IOTA has been participating in Medicaid task forces to develop guidelines for implementation for HB 221 and The Children's Redesign Program.

The House Health and Welfare Committee will discuss this bill, no public testimony, on March 10, 1:30 p.m.

OT Practice Act

On February 10, the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees have approved revisions to the Rules Governing Occupational Therapy for Physical Agent Modalities and Wound Care continuing education and supervision requirements.  The rules move forward with a "do pass" recommendation to both the House and Senate floor.

The temporary rules have been in effect since July 28, 2010.

Read more here.

The AOTA Board of Directors have approved strategic goals for the association for 2010-2013. 

Read more here.

Idaho AOTA members please read below about the AOTA Procedural & Organization Change Ad Hoc Committee: 

This committee recently met to initiate their work and if you review the AOTA 1-minute update http://www1.aota.org/1MinUpdate/links/10-12-10gen.htm  from yesterday, it includes the executive summary of the Ad Hoc Committee’s initial meeting, as well as a survey.  The survey was established to seek member feedback, in an effort to involve all AOTA members.  The committee is seeking feedback on their draft design specifications, which will guide the group's decision making. “The primary goal of the committee is to develop recommendations for an AOTA governance structure that optimizes member participation and expeditiously propels the occupational therapy profession towards the Centennial Vision.”

Please take a moment to review the Design Specifications for Desired Outcomes (in the Executive Summary), viewable at the following link:

http://www.aota.org/Governance/ProceduralAdHoc/Minutes/Minutes9-10.aspx  

And most importantly, please complete the survey http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22B8QYFP3FH 

and encourage your peers to also take time to complete the survey as well!   As an AOTA member, your input and voice are essential to this committee, who will be utilizing the information during the November meeting. 

Sincerely, 

Carrie Mori, PhD, OTR/L, BCP

Idaho RA Representative .

Full slate of officers confirmed at the IOTA Annual Meeting

President - Lacey Osgood MOTR/L

President-elect - Emily Walther MS, OTR/L

Vice President - Tammy Haugen, OTR/L

Treasurer - Sarah Oftedal, MOTR/L

Reimbursement Chair - AJ Jaques, OTR/L

OT Student Rep - Brittney Romriell

OTA Student Rep - Corey Skidmore

Secretary - Aine Keith-Brain, OTR/L

They will join returning members Kelly Buchanan COTA/L, Becki Stephens, OTR/L and Carrie Mori, Ph.D., OTR/L, BCP. 

Update from RA Delegate Carrie Mori, PhD, OTR/L, BCP

There are several opportunities for colleagues to be recognized for their dedication to the field of occupational therapy. Read the request below and nominate a deserving Idaho OT.  In addition, the Representative Assembly is looking for a consumer to become a member of the RA.

Read more here.

Medicaid payments to resume

Medicaid must make budget cuts

The 2010 Idaho Legislature ordered Medicaid to make budget cuts. Across the board reductions are being considered in all payee levels with an emphasis on reducing costs without reducing services that are needed by clients.  To that end, providers and stakeholders have been invited to participate in discovery conversations with Medicaid.

On May 12, the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association, Idaho Speech and Hearing Association and Idaho Physical Therapy Association met with Medicaid representatives to discuss where it might be possible to reduce payments to independent providers of therapy services.  The recommendations were to freeze reimbursements at current levels and reduce payments if Medicare does so first and to meet on a quarterly basis to help maintain program integrity. 

The impact to occupational therapy through this proposed reduction is .22% or $156,000. 

You can make your opinions known on recommendations that you might make at this link:

www.medicaidneedsyourideas.dhw.idaho.gov . 

Please log in to complete the survey and find out more information.  All budget cuts will take place effective July 1, 2010.  IOTA will update this information as it is made known to us.

New Reimbursement Chair named

AJ Jaques, OTR/L, Rigby, has been appointed to fill the position of Reimbursement Chair for the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA).  The Reimbursement Chair monitors and advises on regulatory issues for the association and on behalf of all occupational therapy practitioners.  It is their charge to promote best practices, encourage appropriate collaboration, and foster relationships between the Occupational Therapy community, regulating agencies, private insurance companies, and Medicaid/Medicare. 

The position works closely with the association president and executive director.  "We are very excited to add AJ to our team," commented Lacey Osgood, OTR/L, IOTA President. 

AJ will begin immediately and hopes to be retained in the position during the coming election.  According to IOTA Bylaws, the positions of Vice President, Treasurer and Reimbursement Chair  are elected in even numbered years.

Reimbursement questions may be submitted here.

Autism Link

Have you checked this out?  AOTA has resources for therapists working with individuals with autism. 

http://www.aota.org/autism

Several positions remain open on IOTA Executive Board

Would you like to serve your profession in the most meaningful way possible?  You can represent your friends and colleagues and help guide the practice of Occupational Therapy in Idaho by joining the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association's Board of Directors.  Our board members serve for two year terms of office and they are involved in discussions about education, advocacy and awareness of occupational therapy.  They give directions on how the profession is perceived by others including consumers, legislators, and other affiliated health care professions and medical provider agencies. 

Contact President Lacey Osgood, MOTR/L today if you are interested in being appointed to one of our open positions: President-elect and Secretary. 

Contact VP Aine Keith-Brain, OTR/L if you are interested in running for a position whose term will begin in the fall.  Positions that will be elected  in 2010 are President-elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Reimbursement Chair and Student Representatives from Idaho State University OT Program and Brown Mackie College OTA Program. 

Not convinced that serving on the EB is for you?  Then please take a look at President Lacey Osgood's Top 12 List and reconsider.  It's rewarding.  We promise!

Idaho Legislature passes Medicaid Rules for school-based therapy

On January 18 and 19, 2010,  the Senate and House Health and Welfare Committees reviewed and approved the Medicaid Rules regarding therapy services in school-based settings.  The Medicaid Rules were updated to be in compliance with all statutes regarding therapy including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech. 

Find out more about Docket 16-0309-0903.

NPR talks about Occupational Therapy

A segment on the January 26 morning show talked about how men are needed and welcomed into the occupational therapy profession and how many are changing careers during the recession to OT. Thanks to Myrna Harrington, OTR/L for the tip. 

Listen to the segment on NPR.

Changes to the Rules that affect school-based Occupational Therapy

Temporary and proposed Rules Governing Occupational Therapy in Idaho were published on August 24, 2009.  The rules help licensed occupational therapy practitioners interpret and implement the Occupational Therapy Practice Act.  In order to help schools adapt to the changes, IOTA has prepared a Guideline for Directors of Student services for Special Education on School-Based Occupational Therapy.  

Download the Guideline for Directors of Student services for Special Education on School-Based Occupational Therapy.

Please remember that the purpose of regulation is to protect the consumer and provide the appropriate level of services to them at the time and place they are needed.

More information will be available at this link

ISU Student explains proper studying posture

Nicolas Zohner, MOTS returned to the Holy Spirit Catholic School in November to teach proper studying posture to the sixth grade class. He was joined by Idaho State University's occupational therapy clinical instructor Loriann Helgeson, OTR/L. 

They demonstrated how to adjust the sitting environment at a computer, including keeping their back, neck, wrists, arms, and hips in the correct position in order to prevent discomfort and/or future problems.  They also stressed the importance of taking frequent breaks and stretching their backs, shoulders, and wrists.  The children learned how to use low budget items such as a pillow, to sit on to raise themselves up to a proper height for their arms and neck to be more neutral.  The children were also taught to use a book to put their feet on to raise their hips, knees, and ankles to the proper (90 degree) position.  If they have back discomfort it was demonstrated to roll up a towel to place behind the back for a lumbar support. 

IOTA encourages Backpack Safety

IOTA encourages parents and teachers to keep our students healthy by packing it light and wearing it right.  Please read more:

Intro to Backpack Awareness

Backpack Strategies by AOTA

 

License renewal procedure for OTs and OTAs

License renewal will take place as usual on or before June 30, 2010.  All licensed practitioners will receive a renewal notice from the Occupational Therapy Licensure Board approximately six weeks before their license renewal is due.  Inside the notice will be instructions for renewing this year and in subsequent years on or before the practitioner's birthday.

Rules governing Occupational Therapy in Idaho

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board of Idaho has published the temporary and proposed rules that interpret and enforce the Idaho Occupational Therapy Practice Act.  They went into effect on August 24, 2009.   Please review them at this link: https://secure.ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/OCT/Laws_Rules/OCT_PROPOSED_RULES_2010.pdf

New Licensure Application Form is now available online

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board (OTLB) has published the new licensure application package.  It may be downloaded or completed online or when you visit the OTLB page, the application form can be found under "forms."

Nicolas Zohner, MOTS, ISU student teaches backpack safety

Children attending Holy Spirit Catholic school in Pocatello were given a presentation of the proper wear of backpacks by the ISU Occupational Therapy (OT) program.  Loriann Helgeson OTR/L is a clinical instructor at the university and has been taking students from the OT program for several years to present the backpack awareness program.  An ISU Occupational Therapy student, demonstrated how to properly wear a backpack. He emphasized to use “All the straps available.” Students at the school could volunteer to weigh themselves and their backpacks to calculate the percentage of their body weight which they were carrying.  This should not exceed 15%.  Children were instructed to load the heaviest items in first so they are closest to their backs.  Improper backpack wearing can lead to posture problems and eventually back injuries.  The students ranged from preschool to 6^th grade. 

To find out how much your backpack weighs in relation to your body size you can follow this simple formula.  Take the weight of your backpack and divide it into your body weight and multiply that number by 100 to get the percentage:  (Backpack/you) X 100=____%.  

Revised OT Practice Act is now in effect

The revised Idaho Occupational Therapy Act is now in effect as of July 1, 2009.  You can access the statute here: http://bit.ly/FZSNr

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board of Idaho has published the list of board members on their website.  Those appointed by Governor Otter are:

• Diann Davis Martin, COTA/L, Boise
• Caren DeAngelis, MS, OTR/L, CHT, Boise
• Michael Spero, OTR/L, Boise
• Ione Springer, Caldwell
• Corwin Sutherin, MS, OTR/L, Shelley

Virtual Hill Day

AOTA shared on Twitter that Virtual Hill Day was a success.  They have new co-sponsors of the home health bill and several thousand contacts were made from the Legislative Action Center.  Thanks for sending your messages on behalf of occupational therapy in Idaho!

Brown Mackie College  seeks Advisory Board members

Brown Mackie College – Boise has just been granted developing status by ACOTE to proceed with the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program. The program is in its first year with students currently enrolled and students scheduled to begin their OTA concentration courses this fall.

Brown Mackie is currently seeking OTA Program  Advisory Board members to provide feedback on curriculum and program overview. According to Lisa Johnson, MS, OTR/L, Program Director, the program is held to ACOTE standards and guidelines; however it is also important that they involve the OT community for a balanced education. "It is important that our students benefit from the ideas, experience and input from the local OT community,' she explained.

If you are interested in serving as an Advisory Board member, please contact Lisa Johnson at 208-321-8800 or e-mail at: ljjohnson@brownmackie.edu.

OT Conceptual Models and Application in Practice

Will be presented by Abby Fry, OTR/L on Thursday, August 20, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, St. Luke's- Meridian Medical Center in the Paiute/Blackfoot Room. Designed for community OTs, peds and adults, IOTA will issue CE credit and contact hours. 

Please click here to RSVP.

Your RSVP will let Abby know how many handouts to bring.  Thank you!

Garage Sale will benefit IOTA

Karla Brown, OTR/L is hosting a fundraising garage sale on August 29. All proceeds will benefit IOTA education and legislative awareness efforts.  Please download the flyer for full information on the IOTA Garage Sale. 

Send an email to Karla to find out more or to let her know that you'll be bringing some items to sell.  Thanks!

OT Treatment Summit a success

Thanks to our presenters at our First Annual IOTA Treatment Summit:  Deborah Jackson, MOTR/L, Patty Chambers, OTR/L, Lesley Ruby, OTR/L, CHT, Doris Teter, OTR/L, Diane Mecham, COTA/L. Aaron Eakman, PHD, OTR/L, Bryan Gee, OTD, OTR/L and Corwin Sutherin, MTD, OTR/L. 

License Renewal

Alert for all OTs and COTAs - Please be sure to renew your licenses through the Board of Medicine by June 30, 2009.

The revised Practice Act is effective on July 1 - the day after your licenses are due. The Board of Medicine and the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses will coordinate the transition, but you are expected to keep your licenses current by paying  on or  before the renewal date. IOTA will post a follow up on the transition procedures as they become available. Please share this information with your colleagues. Thank you.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program begins January

Brown Mackie College celebrated the grand opening of the Boise, Idaho Campus on January 12, 2009.  We are pleased to announce that they have chosen an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program as one of their inaugural classes.  Brown Mackie College offers Associates and Bachelor degrees as well as certificate and vocational programs. This Associate Degree program has been recognized as an OTA program in applicant status by AOTA. 

Cherie Strand recognized for going Over the Top

The first IOTA Over the Top award was presented to Cherie Strand, OTR/L, CHT.  According to Jill Satren, OTR/L, CHT Cherie Strand has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, integrity and excellence in patient care.  She has served on the IOTA Executive Board and as an AOTA RA delegate.  But her unending commitment to have OT recognized by Medicaid was proof that she has gone "over the top" in generating awareness for OT in Idaho.  Congratulations Cherie!  And thank you!

 

IOTA officers installed

Founding members and past presidents Myrna Harrington and Joyce Lindstrom installed the 2008-2009 officers during the 2008 Annual Meeting.  Great fun was had by all as they blended the history and future of IOTA together. 

 

Past president - Joyce Lindstrom, OT/L

Past president - Myrna Harrington, OTR/L

President - Farrell Lindley, MOT, MOTR/L

Vice president - Aine Keith-Brain, OTR/L

Treasurer - Sarah Oftedal, OTR/L

Student Representative - Nicolas Zohner, OTS

Executive Director- Linda Jackson

 

Members approve increase

IOTA members approved increasing their membership investment during the Annual Meeting on October 18.  Beginning January 1, 2009 OTs will contribute $85.00 and OTAs will contribute $65.00 to the operation and programs for IOTA.  Thank you for making the investment needed to ensure IOTA can work on your behalf. 

Read the 2008 Annual Report.

ISU recognizes outstanding students

Mandy Lee was chosen as the Outstanding OT Student from IOTA at the ISU OT program graduation banquet on May 9. 

Other notable student awards were:

• KC Austin - Arthur "AJ" P Lloyd Outstanding Student Award

• Erika Miyasako - Arthur "AJ" P. Lloyd Endowment Scholarship

• Mandy Lee & KC Austin - Occupational Therapy Outstanding Research Award

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Available

Idaho State University is accepting applications for an occupational therapist interested in pursuing an advanced degree at the doctoral or master levels.  The assistantship http://www.id-ota.com/ISUOCCUPATIONALcommercial.wmv award includes a $12,280 stipend, tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance for renewable nine month contracts.  For full details, please contact ISU OT Program Director Aaron Eakman, PhD, OTR/L at 208.282.3758.

Therapy Services Rule

Dockets no. 16-0309-0706 and 16-0310-0704     The Therapy Services Rule went into effect on June 1, 2008.  Independent providers of occupational therapy can bill and be paid by Medicaid for services. 

Click here to learn how to become a Medicaid Provider in Idaho.

Payer Information to be provided at Idaho Healthcare Conference

Idaho Health and Welfare is coordinating a comprehensive health care conference for six different areas in Idaho.  The Idaho Health Care Conference 2008 is free to health care providers and provides billing tips and general education on the Medicaid, Medicare and private payer processes. 

A special session will be devoted to the new Medicaid Rules that allow independent providers of occupational therapy to bill Medicaid directly.  According to Jill Satren, IOTA Reimbursement Chair, "This is  a great way to learn about the new rules - there are multiple sites and pros to answer questions."  IOTA encourages you to participate in a conference near you.

Click here for the registration packet.

Idaho Legislature 

Health and Welfare committees pass Therapy Services Rule on January 14, 2008. 

Best wishes for health and happiness from the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association.  Download this calendar for a great start on a new you!

Dana Howell receives award

Dana Howell, PhD, OTD, OTR/L (left) and co-author Kimberly K. Cleary, PT, PhD (right) were recipients of the 2007 J. Warren Perry Distinguished Author Award for their article, Using the SF-36 to Determine Perceived Health Related Quality of Life in Rural Idaho Seniors. The award, given annually by the Journal of Allied Health, was presented by the journal editor, Kevin Lyons, PhD, during an awards ceremony at the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions annual conference in San Diego, CA.   Ms. Howell is the former Director of the Occupational Therapy program at Idaho State University and a past president of IOTA.  She is currently associate professor of occupational therapy at Eastern Kentucky University.

Yoga can enhance your occupational therapy practice

IOTA member Jeanette Runnings, OTR/L is featured in the October 15 issue of Advance Magazine in an article about Yoga and OT: A Perfect Match.  Jeanette is in private practice in Boise, Idaho and the founder of Yoga Yingo.  She is also the Chair of the IOTA Pediatric Special Interest Section.  Read the article here. 

Rule allowing OTs to bill Medicaid directly published October 3

The Therapy Services Rule that will allow Occupational Therapists to bill Medicaid directly has been published by the Medicaid Division of Idaho Health and Welfare. Dockets no. 16-0309-0706 and 16-0310-0704 also provide for consistent language for occupational, physical and speech therapy and establish the number of visits without prior authorization at 25 calendar sessions for occupational and physical therapy.  The dockets will be available for public comment until October 24. 

SOTA holds backpack weigh-in

The Student Occupational Therapy Association at Idaho State University  held a backpack awareness activity at Holy Spirit Catholic School and Cre-act Elementary School in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Shown here is KC Austin, MOTS.  Press release. 

Executive Board meeting held October 11

The IOTA Executive Board (EB) met at Idaho Elks Rehab Hospital on Thursday, October 11. Aaron Eakman, PhD, OTR/L, the new program director for Occupational Therapy at Idaho State University spoke with the group.  The EB finalized the 5-year Strategic Plan and shared admininistrative year-end reports.