Happy Occupational Therapy Month!
Congratulation to Lori Patria, MS, OTR/L on being inducted into the prestigious AOTA Roster of Fellows! Lori has served in varying leadership positions within MOTA, and is our current president. The Roster of Fellows recognizes occupational therapists who through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guidance have made a significant contribution over time to the profession. We are thrilled for Lori and celebrate her contributions to the field of OT!
MOTA Board Openings and Opportunities
We have 2 board openings, for the position Student Representative, and President Elect for the Term January 2025 – December 2028. For more info, click HERE.
Congratulations to Rachel Guilfoyle, OTD, MS, OTR/L, SCLV as the MOTA VP of Events!
MOTA Legislative Committee is looking for additional volunteers! The committee is made up of practitioners from a variety of practice areas and provide valuable input regarding advocacy actions for MOTA. Most of our work is during the legislative session that runs from January – April and requires that members be available for Zoom meetings twice a month during this time frame. If you are interested and/or have questions, please contact Holly Long at Hollylong26@gmail.com.
Latest Advocacy Updates
Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) Study on Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage:
MHCC was charged with gathering data to create a Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund Report as a result of legislation that was passed with the support of MOTA (among others). We are making progress! We’ve got more to do, but in every report/initiative, we are elevating OTs as behavioral health providers. In August, the Marland Health Care Commission issued a preliminary report on its recommendations regarding the Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund. There was no mention OTs. MOTA wrote in about the importance of including OTs. And we’ve had success: The report now specifically defines recognizes OTs as behavioral health providers.
The report specifically thanks MOTA for submitting comments. Go MOTA! The report flags that compensation is the top factor in recruitment and retention. They estimated that $50 million would be allocated to Community Behavioral Health Talent Attraction and Retention Grants which would apply to OT among other providers. You can read the full report, including MOTA’s advocacy by going to this link: Full report
This success was led by our lobbyists from Public Policy Partners. Please share the good news and encourage your colleagues to become MOTA members so that this kind of work can continue!
COVID-19 and Resources
MOTA recognizes the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational therapy practitioners, educators and students as we adapt to these uncertain times. Occupational Therapy practitioners across the state of Maryland have all been challenged to remain healthy and ensure safe practices to prevent further community spread. Please visit the MOTA Blog for the resources we have compiled for you.
Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
The OT Compact will allow licensed OTs and OTAs to practice in all states that join the compact. We are the third state to join! Ten states are required in order for the compact to truly take effect. Please see our Advocacy page for more details–and ways YOU can support this effort.