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The
Idaho Occupational Therapy Association is your professional
resource for the occupational therapy profession in Idaho.
Our
member-driven organization works to advance and protect the
occupational therapy profession by monitoring state and federal
legislation and speaking on behalf of our members.
We
develop continuing education opportunities, networking events and
timely communication to keep our members informed of professional
issues that impact the practice of occupational therapy. And
we continually promote occupational therapy to consumers, other
health care professionals and students considering occupational
therapy as a career.
Please
enjoy our website to discover the many benefits our association
offers to occupational therapists and occupational therapy
assistants.
Join us today.
What's Happening in Idaho OT
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.
Treatment Summit heads to Pocatello on April 10
Mark your calendars today for the third in a series of Treatment Summits. The IOTA OT Treatment Summit sponsored by ISU Occupational Therapy Program will be held on April 10 at Idaho State University Treatment Summit is a learn it today, use it tomorrow format that allows practitioners to share information and gain knowledge in a casual environment. Learners who complete Treatment Summit will earn .7 AOTA CEUs. The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at ISU is helping to coordinate this event.
More information will be available at this link
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.
Treatment Summit heads to Pocatello on April 10
Mark your calendars today for the third in a series of Treatment Summits. The IOTA OT Treatment Summit sponsored by ISU Occupational Therapy Program will be held on April 10 at Idaho State University Treatment Summit is a learn it today, use it tomorrow format that allows practitioners to share information and gain knowledge in a casual environment. Learners who complete Treatment Summit will earn .7 AOTA CEUs. The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) at ISU is helping to coordinate this event.
More information will be available at this link.
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: Reimbursement Chair and President-elect.
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!
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."
A dime-a-day is all it takes to fund IOTA Legislative activities
Can you contribute your Fair Share? For only a dime-a-day, you can protect your future, your profession and your livelihood. Find out more here and make your pledge today.
Health Care Reform
Have you been looking for a comprehensive review of how the proposed health care reform might affect occupational therapy practitioners? Read what AOTA has to say: http://bit.ly/nEOCb.
Changes happen every day so be sure to watch the AOTA Legislative Action Center for the most current information.
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
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Backpack Strategies by AOTA
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