Advocacy CenterJoin the Movement & Strengthen the Voice of Occupational TherapyTogether, we can create lasting change. ConnOTA is committed to advocating at the national, federal, & state levels to protect & advance the profession, ensuring your practice thrives. Join our advocacy efforts & be the driving force in strengthening occupational therapy across Connecticut.
Legislative PrioritiesModernize CT's OT Practice ActSenate Bill 1052: The Act Concerning the Scope of Practice of Occupational Therapists & Occupational Therapy AssistantsThe Connecticut 2025 Legislative Session is underway, & ConnOTA is leading the charge to modernize the state's Occupational Therapy Practice Act, originally established in 1978. Why Modernizing Our Practice Act MattersThis update is essential as the current language no longer reflects the full scope of modern OT practice, creating barriers for practitioners. The proposed changes will ensure the practice act aligns with current standards, clarifies the role of occupational therapists & assistants, & removes outdated language that limits our ability to serve diverse client needs. What Can You Do?Now is the time to take action! Your voice is powerful—advocate for change by reaching out to your legislators to support Senate Bill 1052. Write to them today and urge them to support the modernization of the OT Practice Act to ensure it reflects the needs of today’s professionals & clients. Share your story, raise awareness, & help shape the future of OT in Connecticut. Together, we can make this important change happen. Access More InformationDPH Report on Proposed Changes (download) ConnOTA One-Page Summary (download) Sample Email to Legislators (download) Legislative Action Night Summary (download) Podcast Episode: Modernizing CT's OT Practice Act Technical difficulties in accessing these resources? Contact [email protected] for assistance.Don't Wait--your advocacy can make all the difference!Removing Occupational Therapy Licensing FeesCT Senate Bill 1246 proposes removing licensing fees for occupational therapy practitioners, reducing financial barriers for new and current OTAs & OTs. Stay informed on how this change could impact accessibility and the future of OT practice in Connecticut. Access More InformationFact Sheet: 2025 Legislative Proposal for Senate Bill 1246 Read the Full Senate Bill 1246 Here Listen to Testimony by Joyce Rioux on behalf of ConnOTA Listen to Testimony by Latasha Dionne on behalf of ConnOTA Use our Sample Email to Personalize & Send to Your Legislators State & National PartnersConnecticut's Voice in AOTA's Representative AssemblyThrough ConnOTA’s state RA representative, Connecticut has a direct voice in AOTA’s Representative Assembly (RA)—the national decision-making body that sets professional standards and policies for occupational therapy. While our state representative ensures Connecticut’s perspectives are heard, the RA’s work shapes policy, practice, education, and research at the national level, impacting the entire profession. As a member, you can submit a Request for Action (RFA) to influence discussions on critical issues. Your ideas can help drive meaningful change for occupational therapy nationwide. Get involved & make an impact beyond Connecticut! What Can You Do?As an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or future occupational therapy practitioner, your voice matters! Here’s how you can get involved & make an impact beyond Connecticut:
Your engagement can help influence decisions that shape the profession—get involved today!Advocacy ResourcesConnecticut Legislative ResourcesConnecticut General Assembly (CGA) – Official website for state legislation, bill tracking, committee schedules, and legislator contact information. Find Your Legislators – Look up CT state senators and representatives by town or district. How a Bill Becomes Law in Connecticut – Overview of the legislative process in Connecticut. CT General Assembly Committees – Identify committees related to healthcare, education, and labor policy that impact OT. CT Secretary of the State’s Civic Engagement Initiatives – Guides on advocacy and state government. Capitol Information and Tours – Gain a firsthand look at where policy decisions are made. Make the Most of Your Capitol Tour – Tips on confidently advocating for the occupational therapy profession. Occupational Therapy & Advocacy ResourcesConnOTA Advocacy Center (you are here) – Updates on legislative priorities, action alerts, and advocacy tools. AOTA Legislative Action Center – National policy updates, resources, and guidance for advocacy AOTA Representative Assembly (RA) – Learn about Connecticut’s voice in shaping national OT policies AOTA Hill Day – Opportunities to engage with policymakers at the federal level. NBCOT Advocacy Resources – Information on certification and professional standards. Practical Advocacy ToolsLegislative Action Alerts (ConnOTA & AOTA) – Stay alert to both state and federal OT-related bills & advocacy activities. Monitor Connecticut legislation through ConnOTA & national policy changes through AOTA to take action when needed. Advocacy Capacity Questionnaire (members only) – Assess your advocacy skills, identify growth areas, & build confidence to drive meaningful change. Advocacy Toolkit (members only) – Strengthen your advocacy skills, communicate OT’s impact, & navigate policy, community, & workplace advocacy with confidence. Connecticut Department of Public Health Scope of Practice Process – Understand how scope of practice changes are reviewed. Ways to Get InvolvedAttend Legislative EventsJoin ConnOTA’s Legislative Action Nights, Advocacy Chats, & Hill Day, as well as AOTA’s Hill Day to engage with policymakers & advocate for OT. Link to events page? Volunteer with ConnOTA’s Government Affairs TeamSupport advocacy by tracking legislation, writing letters, & raising awareness about key policy issues. ([email protected]) Join ConnOTA’s OT Mental Health CoalitionCollaborate with CT occupational therapy practitioners to stay informed on mental health trends, identify advocacy opportunities, & promote OT’s role in mental health. ([email protected]) Stay ConnectedFollow ConnOTA on social media for updates on advocacy efforts, events, and opportunities to get involved. Contact UsReach out to [email protected] to ask questions, volunteer, or share your advocacy story. Your voice matters! Q&AFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: Is Connecticut a direct access state for occupational therapy services?A: Yes. Connecticut is a direct access state, meaning occupational therapists can provide services without a physician’s referral. While state law does not require a referral, some insurance companies and payer sources may have their own referral requirements—so it’s important to verify coverage policies. Additionally, per the AOTA Code of Ethics, if a client presents with healthcare concerns beyond occupational therapy's scope of practice, the practitioner should seek a referral or obtain authorization to share information with the client’s healthcare provider to ensure coordinated care. Q: If someone approaches me seeking legislative support for a bill, what should I consider?A: When considering support for a bill, it’s crucial to evaluate its potential impact both within our profession & beyond. Legislative actions can affect policies & practices outside the scope of occupational therapy. Before offering your support, make sure you fully understand the bill’s implications, both positive & negative, and how it aligns with professional ethics & the best interests of those you serve. By engaging with ConnOTA, you can receive essential guidance to ensure your advocacy efforts are informed and aligned with your professional values and responsibilities. Q: Can occupational therapy practitioners use dry needling in Connecticut?A: The current OT Practice Act (1978) does not explicitly prohibit occupational therapy practitioners from using dry needling. However, occupational therapy practice has evolved significantly since 1978, when the law was first established. We're currently advocating to modernize the OT Practice Act to include language that reflects these modern techniques, like dry needling, which have become integral to the profession. While there isn't specific language in our current practice act, it’s essential to check with payer sources, as they may have their own requirements for services to be billable. Nationally, there’s a position paper presenting an official stance for the use of physical agent, mechanical, and instrument-assisted modalities in occupational therapy, including dry needling, and we are working to ensure that our state regulations have inclusionary language to align with these evolving practices. Q: Does ConnOTA have a lobbyist?A: Yes! ConnOTA partners with a lobbyist to represent our interests at the state level. Our lobbyist works alongside us to advocate for policies that reflect the needs of the occupational therapy profession. This teamwork helps us navigate the legislative process & make sure the voices of OT practitioners are heard by lawmakers. Together, we work to advance changes that can positively shape the future of our practice & profession. Contact Us at [email protected] |
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