Abstract
April 6, 2019
New Orleans, LA
President Amy Lamb welcomed the audience.
President Lamb acknowledged the Board of Directors seated on the dais.
Secretary Kathleen Foley announced the volunteer members of the Minutes Review Committee: Ashley Fecht (NV), Winifred Schultz-Krohn (CA), Jaclyn Schwartz (FL), and Laurel Radley (NC).
Secretary Kathleen Foley called the roll of the states. A quorum of more than 100 members was reached to allow conduct of business for the duration of the meeting. Forty-four election areas were represented.
President Lamb called the meeting to order.
Secretary Foley moved for adoption of the Agenda and Standing Rules for the meeting. President Lamb asked for changes and/or additions to the agenda. There were no changes; therefore, the Agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
In advance of the meeting, all written reports were posted on the website. President Lamb opened the floor for questions and comments; there were none.
The following individuals gave brief verbal reports:
– Debra Young, Vice President, led the audience in a recitation of the revised Vision 2025. She reviewed the additional pillar—Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity—and discussed future challenges to our professional roles. She emphasized the goals of AOTA to be responsive, agile, and supportive as practitioners as they transform the profession.
– President Lamb opened the floor for questions and comments.
– Sherry Keramidas, Executive Director, highlighted some of the national office initiatives. President Lamb opened the floor for questions and comments.
– Karen Sames, Treasurer, provided an overview of the financial status of the Association through fiscal year 2018. The floor was opened for questions and comments.
– Debi Hinerfeld, Speaker of the Representative Assembly (RA), provided a summary of the activities of the RA and the results of the most recent meeting. President Lamb opened the floor for questions and comments.
President Lamb reported the submission of nine potential motions for the Annual Business Meeting. The AOTA Officers, legal counsel, and the Executive Director reviewed the motions; five motions were directed to the appropriate committee. Four motions were brought forward for consideration at the meeting.
Motion 1: Evaluate Accessibility of AOTA Website and Publications and Implement Changes Based on Findings
Originators: Abigail Swidergal (IL), Krecia Sweeney (IL)
Motion: I move that the membership request the Board of Directors consider as an inclusive profession intending to maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities, the AOTA website and content should serve as an exemplar of accessible design and function to highlight the expertise of OT practitioners to develop effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living. Consistent with AOTA’s Vision 2025 Pillars of “Accessibility” and “Diversity”, all people, including those with low vision, blindness, deafness, hard of hearing, and other cognitive and physical impairments should be able to fully access and benefit from all AOTA web-based resources.
Sandy Hanebrink (SC) spoke in favor of the motion but moved to amend the motion. Discussion followed and the motion to amend passed:
Amended motion: I move that the membership request the Board of Directors consider as an inclusive profession intending to maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities, the AOTA websiteand contentweb-based-resources
Passed as amended.
Motion 2: Improving Email and Other Forms of Electronic Communication to AOTA Members
Originator: Brent Braveman (TX)
Motion: I move that the membership request the Board of Directors consider charging an Ad Hoc Committee made up of key AOTA staff and volunteer members to explore, identify and implement strategies to assure that all AOTA members consistently receive Email and other notifications of important issues and calls for action in a consistent and timely manner.
The motion was discussed. Passed.
Motion 3: AOTA’s Approved Provider Program: A Suggested Process
Originators: Rochelle Marx-Asher (NY), Bryden Giving (MN)
Motion: We move that the membership request the AOTA Board consider that the Approved Provider program create a robust system that ensures that the workshops, speakers, and interventions it approves are consistent with AOTA’s evidence practice guidelines: “for improving the quality of health care, enhancing consumer satisfaction, promoting appropriate use of services, and reducing costs. AOTA is committed to providing information to support decision making that promotes a high-quality health care system that is affordable and accessible to all” (retrieved from https://www.aota.org/Practice/Researchers.aspx). As stated by AOTA, our profession has a unique ability to address occupations utilizing evidence- based practices. By creating a robust system and evaluating our current Approved Providers List, we can ensure our organization is promoting evidence-based practice and encouraging practitioners to follow suit.
No discussion. Passed.
Motion 4: A Motion to Modify Article III Section 4 of The Official Bylaws of AOTA Related to Conditions for Membership Revocation
Originator: Caroline Alterio (NY)
Motion: I move that the membership request the AOTA Board consider modifications to Article III Section 4 as follows: I) B. Members of any classification may have their membership revoked or suspended for violation of the AOTA Code of Ethics. II) Article III C and D should be stricken from this section (see below). C. For any cause other than nonpayment of dues, a vote for revocation or suspension shall occur only after the member has been notified of the complaint for revocation and has been given reasonable opportunity for defense. Cause shall mean: (1) any violation of any Association policy, procedures, or terms of use which reflects negatively on one’s professional role, the profession or the reputation of the Association; or (2) any persistent course of conduct which detracts from the Association’s mission or reflects negatively on the profession. D. Any member may submit a complaint to the Board requesting that another member be removed for cause.
The motion was discussed. Defeated.
Susan Tucker (MO) won the drawing for the 1-year complimentary AOTA membership.
President Lamb reported the Volunteer Leadership Development Committee would begin to identify candidates for the 2020 General Election; information will be available on the website. President Lamb encouraged members to email the Volunteer Leadership Development Committee with questions.
President Lamb announced that the newly elected Board members assume their term of office on July 1, 2019. The Board members will participate in the ceremonial oath of office at the June Board meeting; members should watch email and the AOTA website for live stream.
President Lamb adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.