Abstract
The business of the 41st spring meeting of the Representative Assembly is presented here in summary. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website at http://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/Get-Involved/RA.aspx or from the AOTA National Office.
The Representative Assembly (RA) met in person on April 4, 2019, in New Orleans, LA, to discuss the following motions.
Motions and Outcomes
Motion 1: Update Policy E.6 Entry Level of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Following robust discussion, the RA voted to support dual entry-level degree levels. Occupational therapists may earn an entry-level master’s or doctoral degree, and occupational therapy assistants may earn an entry-level associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Motion 2: Policy on Recommended Versus Mandated Education Levels
A motion was made that the RA establish a policy for utilizing recommendations versus mandates regarding educational degree levels for the profession. This factually informed policy will include criteria stating that prior to considering a mandate, (1) 80% or more of programs will have attained full accreditation level at the potentially mandated degree level and (2) differential outcomes between the degree levels exists to support the mandate, based on outcome data collected from all current programs.
The motion was defeated. The initial report is due to the RA for discussion at the Fall 2019 meeting.
Motion 3: Expand Education and Practice for Occupational Therapy Assistants
A motion was made that the Speaker request that the Commission on Education (COE) and Commission on Practice (COP) investigate current and future occupational therapy assistant education and practice. The COE and COP will then review AOTA documents and standards to define what and, if any, changes in OTA roles, functions, and supervision requirements are warranted to facilitate future occupational therapy assistant practice.
The motion was adopted with minor amendments. An initial report and recommendations will be presented at the Spring 2020 RA meeting.
Other Updates
An item was pulled from the Consent Agenda: the COP Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The motion was approved to refer this document back to the Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures Committee and the COP for further discussion.