Abstract
The May 2020 AOTA Representative Assembly online meeting was conducted over three sessions on May 6, May 13, and May 20, 2020. Fourteen motions were discussed and voted upon; the outcomes are summarized herein.
May 2020 Representative Assembly Meeting Summary
The May 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Representative Assembly (RA) online meeting was conducted over three sessions on May 6, May 13, and May 20, 2020. Fourteen motions were discussed and voted upon; the outcomes were as follows:
Motion 1: Consent Agenda was adopted.
It was requested that Policy E.6 be removed from the consent agenda. This item was automatically placed on the spring meeting agenda for full discussion. The Representative Assembly Leadership Committee (RALC) standard operating procedure (SOP) and Recorder job description (JD) were adopted as proposed. Corresponding changes in these two documents allow the Minutes Review Committee (consisting of RA members), Recorder, and RALC to approve RA minutes, resulting in a more timely and efficient process of approval. These changes are consistent with methods used to approve the AOTA Annual Business Meeting minutes.
Motion 2: Text Edits to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process—Fourth Edition was adopted.
Passage of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process—Fourth Edition (OTPF–4) represents the latest in the profession’s efforts to clearly articulate the occupational therapy domain and process while building on a set of values the profession has held since its founding in 1917. As an official document of AOTA reviewed every 5 years, the OTPF–4 is intended for dissemination and use by occupational therapy practitioners and students, other health care professionals, educators, researchers, payers, and consumers. The OTPF–4 presents a summary of interrelated constructs that describe contemporary occupational therapy practice. To view the full document, please visit https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
Motion 3: Graphic Edits to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process—Fourth Edition was adopted.
As part of the 5-year review, five new tables were added to expand and clarify concepts in the OTPF–4, and Figure 1 was revised to provide a simplified visual depiction of the domain and process of occupational therapy. To view the full document, please visit https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
Motion 4: Commission on Practice Standard Operating Procedure was adopted as amended.
Changes to the Commission on Practice (COP) SOP clarify qualifications of the COP Chairperson-Elect to ensure necessary background, leadership experience, and skills while removing barriers for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to successfully serve in this position. Specific changes include previous service on the COP, scholarly writing, publication, and project management experience.
Motion 5: Guidelines for Reentry Into the Field of Occupational Therapy was adopted.
The Commission on Continuing Competence and Professional Development revised the Guidelines for Reentry Into the Field of Occupational Therapy as part of the 5-year review of the document. The RA created a cap for practitioners who have been out of practice for 3 or more years, requiring completion of a minimum of 10 hours of documented supervised service delivery in occupational therapy for each year out of practice, to a maximum of 80 hours.
Motion 6: Inclusive Academic Programs was referred to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Approval of this motion asks the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force appointed by the AOTA President to review existing research and literature in higher education covering recruitment practices focused on underrepresented students, holistic admissions processes, inclusive teaching practices, and retention strategies. A report and recommendations are due at the spring 2021 RA meeting.
Motion 7: Use of Dry Needling in Occupational Therapy Practice was adopted.
Approval of this motion supports establishment of a task force of 4 or 5 members to investigate the use of dry needling as a method used by occupational therapy practitioners that prepares a client for occupational performance. A report is due at the spring 2021 RA meeting. The report shall address the following topics:
• A summary of recent evidence since the COP 2017 practice response
• A recommendation as to whether to recognize dry needling as a preparatory method that falls within the scope of occupational therapy practice after a practitioner receives the necessary specialized training
• Where and how to provide an official statement on the use of dry needling in occupational therapy practice
• Implications of the use of dry needling in occupational therapy practice
Motion 8: Entry-Level Competencies was referred to the Commission on Education.
Approval of this motion asks the Commission on Education (COE) to examine the growing number of entry-level competencies potentially affecting the educational costs, increased credits, faculty shortages, and other components related to higher education, including a comparison with similar professions on how they implement and monitor entry-level practice competencies. Questions to be explored shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics:
1. How does the occupational therapy profession identify entry-level competencies?
2. How is the current process (or lack of process) impacting higher education?
3. What lessons can we learn (or need to learn) from our international colleagues in occupational therapy and colleagues from other related professions?
Motion 9: Clarifying Points of Entry to the Occupational Therapy Profession was defeated.
The RA discussed potential development of a resource document that describes the purpose, intent, roles, differences and similarities, and relationships among the different points of entry to the profession. The motion was defeated, because it is duplicative of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) standards interpretive guide that exists.
Motion 10: Amend Policy E.6 was adopted.
Approval of this motion further clarifies language contained in Policy E.6 regarding the education of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants as follows:
The Association recognizes dual points of entry for the education of occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapists, as follows:
• Occupational therapy assistants—associate and bachelor’s degrees; and
• Occupational therapists—master’s and doctoral degrees
Motion 11: Amendments to Occupational Therapy’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was adopted.
The document Occupational Therapy’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was updated and expanded after its 5-year review as a joint document coordinated by COP and COE. It articulates the profession’s commitment to DEI for its student bodies, workforce, and client populations while advocating for policies that lead to stronger, healthier, and more engaged communities. It also supports efforts to increase DEI in all aspects of occupational therapy, including practice, education, research, policy development, and advocacy. Multiple forms of discrimination such as racism, classism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, and sexism are addressed in the document.
Motion 12: National Mentorship Program was adopted.
Approval of this motion supports establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate existing supported national mentorship programs and resources both internal and external to the occupational therapy profession. The ad hoc committee will include a review of AOTA mentorship programs; a report and recommendations are due at the spring 2021 RA meeting.
Motion 13: Framework for Consideration of Changes to Educational Points of Entry was defeated.
A framework was proposed to develop and assess motions related to occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational entry points to prevent motions that discount findings of the 2019 Special Task Force on Entry-Level Education from being presented to the RA. The RA raised concerns that this motion could silence and limit AOTA members’ rights to submit RA motions. It was unclear what effect the establishment of this framework would have on the decision-making process of the RA, given authority outlined in AOTA bylaws and governance documents in addition to parliamentary authority used by the RA to handle motions.
Motion 14: Professional Civility was referred to the Ethics Commission.
Approval of this motion requests that the Ethics Commission (EC) consider discussion by the RA related to development of a voluntary pledge of professional civility, including guiding principles and related resources. The EC is engaged in its 5-year review of the AOTA Code of Ethics and will consider professional civility in its review.
August 2020 Representative Assembly Meeting Summary
During the August 5, 2020, online meeting, six motions and two requests for action from members were discussed and voted on. The outcomes were as follows:
Motion 1: Commission on Education Standard Operating Procedures was adopted as amended.
Members discussed this motion at length, specifically the proposed qualification for the chairperson to have a doctoral degree; that specific qualification was stricken, resulting in adoption of an amended motion. This outcome expands leadership opportunities to practitioners to be eligible for the COE Chairperson role regardless of degree level.
Motion 2: Credentials Review and Accountability Committee Standard Operating Procedure was adopted.
Passage of this motion expands the role of the Credentials Review and Accountability Committee (CRAC) to include recruitment activities for filling elected positions in the RA and mentoring support for members throughout their term of office. The goal of these changes is to make the RA more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all AOTA members who may be interested in serving by providing supports to ensure success of each RA member.
Motion 3: Representative Job Description was adopted.
The RA Representative job description was updated to retain the relevance of the RA Representative and keep it a sought-after and meaningful leadership role within the Association. One key change was to drop the requirement of being a member of the state association for at least 1 year prior to nomination. State membership is required, but there is no longer a stipulation for duration of membership. This expands the opportunity for new practitioners or those who may have recently moved to a different state to serve in the RA.
Motion 4: Representative Assembly Coordinating Committee Standard Operating Procedure was adopted.
The majority of changes were technical in nature, including clarification of the term of office for Representative Assembly Coordinating Committee (RACC) members. The RACC consists of the COE, COP, EC, and the Commission on Continuing Competence and Professional Development.
Motion 5: Representative Assembly Coordinating Committee Standard Operating Procedure Attachment A was adopted as amended.
Attachment A of the RACC SOP outlines the levels and process for review of AOTA’s Official Documents, which is overseen by the RACC. The adopted changes clarify and define the types of Official Documents to include Guidance Documents, Position Statements, Professional Standards, and Societal Statements. Changes were also made to clarify who is responsible for the approval of new documents as well as who is responsible for the approval of documents in the 5-year review cycle. All requests for the development of new documents must be approved by the full RA. The outcome of this motion allows for a comprehensive and inclusive process of consideration, enabling more engagement of practitioners when developing and approving documents. It also affirms the roles of the Commissions and the expertise of their members for the review and revision of existing documents.
Motion 6: Vice Speaker Job Description was adopted as amended.
The Vice Speaker job description was updated to align with changes to the CRAC SOP. Whereas the Vice Speaker was previously responsible for orientation of new members of the RA, this role has now been shifted to the CRAC Chairperson.
Member Request for Action 1: Approved
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic warrants further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
Publish a position paper denouncing attempts to change sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression and condemn the practice of conversion therapy.
Member Request for Action 2: Approved
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic warrants further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
Create a Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) division of the Academic Leadership Council (ALC) under the Commission on Education, establishing a DCC–ALC Chairperson.
Representative Assembly November 2020 Meeting Summary
During the November 4, 2020, online meeting, three motions and five requests for action from members were discussed and voted on. The outcomes were as follows:
Motion 1: Feasibility Study of the Recommendations Regarding Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice was adopted.
The RA discussion centered on clarification of the COE–COP report to determine what, if any, changes are warranted to facilitate future occupational therapy assistant practice. The COE–COP task group reviewed a number of AOTA, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and ACOTE® documents and resources; conducted a survey; and hosted listening sessions. Of concern to the RA was the limited number of occupational therapy assistants who responded to the survey (N = 37) and alignment of the report’s recommendations with the original intent of the motion. The motion, as adopted, charges the RA Speaker with forwarding the report to the AOTA Board of Directors for study of the feasibility of the recommendations. A final report is due to the RA for the fall 2021 RA meeting.
Motion 2: AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics was adopted.
Unanimous adoption of this motion updates the profession’s code of ethics, modernizing the organization of the document and adding a section on professional civility. As an AOTA official document, the Code is updated every 5 years, and therefore the 2020 version replaces the 2015 document.
Motion 3: Create a Doctoral Capstone Coordinator–Academic Leadership Council was adopted.
This motion was the outcome of a member request for action that was approved for exploration at the August 2020 RA meeting. Passage of this motion creates a Doctoral Capstone Coordinator–Academic Leadership Council (DCC–ALC), which will be a standing committee of the COE. The creation of the DCC–ALC supports the distinct needs of students and educators related to the capstone project portion of the entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy education requirements.
Member Request for Action 1: Position Paper on Safe Patient Handling and Mobility was approved.
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic warrants further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
AOTA should convey its support of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs and the role they play in promoting a safer working environment for occupational therapy practitioners and health care workers and in improving safety and outcomes for patients.
Member Request for Action 2: Survey on Early Intervention Practice Settings was approved.
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic warrants further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
Identify types of agencies and practice settings that provide occupational therapy services to children birth to age 3 years; any reimbursement discrepancies that may exist across funding sources and practice settings; and any actual or proposed budget cuts to early intervention (EI) services, including occupational therapy. The collection of evidence is proposed in order to develop an action plan that promotes access to EI services for children and families and prevents the risk of occupational therapy disappearing from EI practice settings.
Member Request for Action 3: Solutions to Current Threats to the Profession Including Doctoral Degree was defeated.
Defeat means that the RA determined that this topic does not warrant further exploration at this time given other professional priorities.
Consider solutions to current threats to the profession, with one solution being the move to a terminal doctoral degree (OTD) in the field in order to defend the occupational therapy scope of practice in a challenging and ever-changing health care landscape and empower the occupational therapy profession alongside other doctoral-level professions.
Member Request for Action 4: Official Document on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice was approved.
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic needs further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
Consider development of a new or expansion of an existing official document to address interprofessional collaborative practice across populations and settings.
Member Request for Action 5: Position Paper on Occupational Therapy in Critical Care Settings was approved.
Approval means that the RA agreed that this topic needs further exploration. Therefore, a work group will be appointed to gather evidence and develop a briefing paper so that an RA task group may deliberate and make a final recommendation to the full RA.
Establish a uniform standard of care by outlining the unique contribution and role of occupational therapy practitioners in critical care settings.