Bill: I am all for it, too. Feasibility about something like this is questionable but not out of the question. NBCOT, AOTA, and the individual State Boards (equivalent to the provincial colleges) will have to coordinate the disbursement of funds after the practitioner pays his/her dues to a central facility. Hypothetically, if I apply to my state board to renew my license, they should charge me my license fees, NBCOT recert fees and my choice of state and/or national association fees. The state thus knows that I am in good standing with NBCOT (if required) and ensures that I am a member of my professional association/s as well. The state association of OT and the national association should then coordinate, how attractive they can make it to have a practitioner become members of both. Or, if an individual is a member of one and not the other, the association should still be able to share funds to be resourceful enough.
Fast-forwarding a bit, after the initial certification, the state may take up all requirements to ensure competence and NBCOT may just take the role of a certification board (general entry or specialized). May be the NBCOT recertification fees can altogether be eliminated versus confusing between whether or not one should keep up with the COTA nad OTR titles while the state protects the public interest by certifying continued competence. I also see a bigger role for AOTA to play in this model. In my opinion this will also help to generate closer ties between the state boards, AOTA and state associations as well. I think this would be welcomed by AOTA. Can we do anything about it? We should try. Bill we can send in a petition to the Board of Directors or draft an RA motion backed by as many practitioners as we can get. May be Chuck can help us with this process. And, Bill if you can make this happen, you got my vote for the next elections :-) Regarding the issue of professional designations as pointed out earlier, I am glad to see that AOTA is proposing using OT or OT/L and OTA or OTA/L. It would make sense ( also then we are looking at another reason to opt out of the redundant process of getting recertified by NBCOT and keeping up with the state competency measures). If I may add my radical thought to it, I would just go with "OT" or "OTA" as the designators along with academic degrees and specialist certifications, i.e, John Doe, OTD, OT, CHT. I don't see titles like MD/L, DO R/L, Psy. D./L, etc.. Ofcourse, we assume if they are practicing they are licensed and registered as needed. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Maloney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 9:33 PM Subject: Re: [OTlist] OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 14 > Amen, Joe! > > You asked: "How many of us in the US will welcome the > mandatory state or national association membership > along with a yearly 'recertification' process by the > NBCOT, similar to the Canadian system?" > > I would! And, I absolutely agree with you that the > Canadians have it right. In fact, you beat me to > stating that (I was going to post a message stating > this same thing). Thanks for sharing this thought. > How feasible do you think this would be to implement > in the U.S.? I sure hope that many more of us, > including our leadership will get on board with this > notion. > > Bill Maloney, OTR > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > >> Send OTlist mailing list submissions to >> [email protected] >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, >> visit >> http://otnow.com/mailman/listinfo/otlist_otnow.com >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body >> 'help' to >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it >> is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of OTlist digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Re: The Public Occupational Therapy Journal - >> OccupationalTherapy and Evidence Based >> Practice (Joe Wells) >> 2. Re: OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 8 (Joe Wells) >> >> >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 17:19:26 -0400 >> From: "Joe Wells" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] The Public Occupational >> Therapy Journal - >> OccupationalTherapy and Evidence Based Practice >> To: <[email protected]> >> Message-ID: >> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; >> charset="iso-8859-1"; >> reply-type=original >> >> Congratulations Urs! Sites like yours are much >> needed by the OT community. I >> wish you and the other organizers the very best and >> congratulate you on a >> work well done. >> >> Joe Wells >> www.americare-health.com >> www.f-cot.org >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Urs Albisser" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 8:38 AM >> Subject: [OTlist] The Public Occupational Therapy >> Journal - >> OccupationalTherapy and Evidence Based Practice >> >> >> > Hi OT's, >> > >> > I am working in the neurological department of a >> rehabilitation clinic in >> > Switzerland. I have built a new international >> community website named 'The >> > Public Occupational Therapy Journal' the goal of >> which is to bring >> > together >> > the knowledge of clinical expertise and evidence >> based practice in >> > occupational therapy. Well, now the site is ready >> for use and accessible >> > on: >> > >> > www.ot.public-journal.com >> > >> > Because it's a new site there are only a few >> contributions added as yet, >> > but >> > you can change all that if you take part actively! >> > >> > Discussion forums: >> > It would be great if you could take part in >> numerous discussions in the >> > 'Occupational Therapy Forum' and/or the forum >> concerning Evidence Based >> > Practice. >> > >> > Downloads: >> > As mentioned above, the aim of the site is to >> bring together knowledge >> > relating to occupational therapy -perhaps you have >> written professional >> > articles or have given a lecture relating to O.T. >> you would like to >> > submit. >> > You can upload entire documents in the download >> section to provide them to >> > other OT's. >> > So do profit yourself with the knowledge from >> documents uploaded by other >> > OT's and they will certainly appreciate your >> articles, presentations or >> > any >> > other specific professional documents too! >> > (Important: Please check the copyright of the >> documents before you upload >> > them. If necessary get the approval prior to >> publishing/copying etc - Only >> > the owner of the copyright decides on what happens >> with his or her >> > document). >> > >> > News: >> > Do you have some news relating to occupational >> therapy? Post them for free >> > to one of the following topics: >> > | Articles | Books | Downloads | Education | >> Events | Jobs | News | >> > Projects >> > | >> > >> > Links: >> > Do you know interesting OT websites? If so, you >> can add them to our link >> > module. Or if you are an owner of a website >> yourself then it would be >> > great >> > if you could in turn link back to us. Please help >> to make The Public >> > Occupational Therapy Journal known. Thank you very >> much! >> > >> > >> > If you would like to let me know what you think >> about the website, I'd be >> > very pleased to get your feedback. >> > >> > Thank you in advance. >> > >> > Best regards, >> > >> > Urs Albisser >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Unsubscribe? >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > >> > Change options? >> > www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> > >> > Archive? >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> > >> > Help? >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 2 >> Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 17:45:59 -0400 >> From: "Joe Wells" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 8 >> To: <[email protected]> >> Message-ID: >> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; >> charset="iso-8859-1"; >> reply-type=original >> >> How many of us in the US will welcome the mandatory >> state or national >> association membership along with an yearly >> 'recertification' process by the >> NBCOT, similar to the Canadian system? >> Currently, the cost of AOTA membership is $225.00. >> With 35,000 members, AOTA >> receives revenues in the amount of approximately $ >> 7,875,000.00 through >> membership dues. If all practicing OT and OTAs >> (~115,000) were manadated to >> become members, the same amount of revenues could be >> generated by charging >> less than $70.00 per individual. Again the costs >> such as maintaining an >> online library etc. would drive down due to >> increased sharing. I was told >> that an institution that had approximately 200 >> members were required to pay >> $ 12,000.00 per year to access the OVID Gateway >> (Medline, ACP, Cochrane, >> CINAHL, Medline, OVID all included). However, >> individual access costs around >> $ 250.00 yearly. I am assuming that with mandatory >> membership we could bring >> the governance process under one umbrella, better >> serve membership interests >> and have a more unified existence at a much lower >> cost to the practitioners. >> In my opinion the Canadians have it right again! >> Joe >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Bill Maloney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 12:09 AM >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 8 >> >> >> > Ok, I've been sitting on the sidelines for a bit, >> but >> > now must speak up. Chuck, regarding a few of the >> > "eight elements viewed as relevant to a shared >> vision" >> > from the "Proposed Centennial Vision Statement" >> you >> > detailed in Vol 15, Issue 8: >> > >> > "3. Membership equals professional responsibility" >> > >> > How about we start by unifying our professional >> > competence governance (in reference to one of the >> "six >> > barriers" identified in the proposal "4. >> Inconsistent >> > competencies for education and practice") I pay >> dues >> > to the AOTA, get access (albeit LIMITED - more >> about >> > this later) to the "members only" section of the >> > website. Then, to legally use the designation of >> OTR, >> > which I initially earned after passing the >> > certification exam (issued originally by the AOTA >> > prior to its historic, and well-publicized battle >> with >> > what's now the separate entity known as the NBCOT) >> I >> > pay an extra $60.00 biennially. Come on. >> > Professional responsibility indeed. What about >> the >> > responsibility of the leadership to it's paying >> > members? >> > >> > Then, from the "six barriers identified" we have: >> > "3. Limited appeal of AOTA membership" >> > >> > Well, for starters refer to the above information. >> > Can you tell me why any responsible consumer would >> be >> > attracted to pay into such a chaotic and >> non-cohesive >> > organization? We can't even agree amongst our own >> > colleagues as to how to credential and identify >> our >> > practitioners: we have OTR, LOT, OT/L, OTA/L, >> COTA, >> > LOTA, LOTR. Are you kidding me? Professional >> > identity indeed! Check out our colleagues on the >> > other side of the isle, and chances are you'll >> find >> > one designation: PT or SLP----period. >> > >> > It is a little surreal to read all of the >> > "cheerleading" and well-meaning pseudo-positive >> > statements from the leadership individuals posting >> to >> > this list. I suggest we cease with all the >> political >> > rhetoric and posturing and start by unifying our >> > profession once again, present a TRUE united >> front, >> > then build a plan to be a relevant player in the >> > healthcare environment. I mean seriously, did >> > everyone read the same posting from Chuck that I >> did? >> > Is it me, or is it fraught with useless committee >> > lingo? No offense intended to anyone, but can we >> > please see some real results before imploring >> > practitioners to "be responsible" by joining? >> > >> > And finally, my last rant: >> > Under the "Four strategic directions emerged after >> a >> > careful analysis of barriers and opportunities" >> > section: >> > "1. Building the capacity to fulfill the >> profession's >> > potential and mission." >> > >> > One of the bullet points is "* Increasing research >> > capacity and productivity" >> > >> > When I log in as a member on the AOTA website, and >> > attempt to access the "OT Search" feature, I find >> that >> > I must pay an additional $75/year (since I am a >> > member, but would pay $200.00/year if I weren't) >> to >> > fully use the research capabilities on the site. >> So, >> > if I choose to use the designation of OTR, (for >> which >> > I felt I initially "earned" the right to use) I >> pay >> > $60.00 biennially to another entity to do so. If >> I >> > elect to be an AOTA member, I pay $225.00 >> annually. >> > If I want to access research capabilities in the >> > comfort of my own home on the website for which I >> > purchased a membership I pay an additional $75.00. >> > Anyone? >> > >> > Perhaps I should consider involvement in our >> > profession on a leadership level. It's not been >> an >> > interest of mine for quite some time, but when I >> look >> > from the sidelines at the state of our profession, >> and >> > wonder almost daily if I will continue to be proud >> of >> > my profession for the remainder of my career, it >> > almost feels inevitable. >> > >> > >> > >> > --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> > >> >> Send OTlist mailing list submissions to >> >> [email protected] >> >> >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide >> Web, >> >> visit >> >> >> http://otnow.com/mailman/listinfo/otlist_otnow.com >> >> or, via email, send a message with subject or >> body >> >> 'help' to >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so >> it >> >> is more specific >> >> than "Re: Contents of OTlist digest..." >> >> >> >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> >> >> 1. Re: questions (Ron Carson) >> >> 2. Re: questions (Charles Willmarth) >> >> 3. Re: questions (Joe Wells) >> >> 4. Re: questions (Ron Carson) >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> >> Message: 1 >> >> Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 22:40:47 -0400 >> >> From: Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] questions >> >> To: Joe Wells <[email protected]> >> >> Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii >> >> >> >> Joe, this is toooooo good!!! >> >> >> >> What is the battle? >> >> >> >> =============================================== >> >> Monday, April 17, 2006, >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> >> >> >> > Choose your battle, select your general, >> >> gather your logistics, >> >> > declare war and.....fight! If you lose, at >> least >> >> you lose trying. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> >> >> Message: 2 >> >> Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 23:25:48 -0400 >> >> From: "Charles Willmarth" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] questions >> >> To: <[email protected]> >> >> Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII >> >> >> >> Ron, >> >> >> >> Check out this page on APTA's website: >> >> >> > >> > http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8895 >> >> >> >> Click on the link "letter." >> >> >> >> Chuck >> >> >> >> >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/19/06 10:03 PM >>> >> >> Hello Chuck, thanks for writing. There are >> so >> >> many things in your >> >> message that it's difficult to respond to them >> all. >> >> So, I guess that I >> >> will just pick a couple topics. >> >> >> >> For one, I don't blame AOTA for everything wrong >> >> with our profession. >> >> I don't really blame them for anything, I just >> >> don't agree with some >> >> of what does and doesn't go one. Obviously, I >> know >> >> NOTHING about the >> >> inner workings of AOTA, all I know is what I >> read, >> >> either as official >> >> documentation or through non-official channels. >> I >> >> base my opinion of >> >> AOTA on these sources. I have no doubt that >> >> AOTA is full of hard >> >> working people, and I am not knocking anyone for >> >> doing their job. But, >> >> I do have a difference of opinion about some >> >> things and I certainly >> >> feel that voicing that opinion is appropriate. >> >> >> >> Your below message reiterates that OT is >> ideally >> >> suited to meet the >> >> needs of people of all ages, however, I again >> take >> >> great exception to >> >> this statement. Many factors stand in the way of >> OT >> >> being able to meet >> >> peoples needs. Off the top of my head, here are a >> >> couple: >> >> >> >> 1. Lack of unity within our profession >> >> 2. Lack of name recognition among payers and >> >> referral sources >> >> 3. Lack of consistency in service delivery >> >> 4. Lack of consistency between philosophical base >> >> and service delivery >> >> environment >> >> >> >> Chuck, I don't think that AOTA is to blame for >> >> these problems. I do >> >> think, however, that when AOTA leaders >> >> continually focus on the >> >> positive aspects of our profession to the >> >> exclusion of the negative, >> >> then they are painting a false picture and >> doing a >> >> disservice to our >> >> profession. >> >> >> >> For example, a while back, APTA was pushing >> >> hard to gain Medicare >> >> direct access. In the process, AOTA took a stand >> >> basically saying that >> >> if PT gets direct access, then so should OT and >> SLP. >> >> APTA took this as >> >> AOTA was not supporting them. The APTA president >> >> really came down hard >> >> on AOTA saying that they were reevaluating >> their >> >> relationship with >> >> AOTA. Now, AOTA was great about disseminating >> >> information about what >> >> how they had gone to bat for our >> profession >> >> but they never once >> >> publicly mentioned the dissension between APTA >> and >> >> AOTA. I think this >> >> is wrong and that AOTA should have let us know >> the >> >> entire story, but >> >> they didn't. PT's knew about it because it >> was >> >> on their web page. >> >> Thus, PT's in the work force knew. I'm sure >> there >> >> were many OT's who >> >> were caught off guard by the situation, whereas >> had >> >> AOTA told us about >> >> it and posted some information, then OT's could >> >> have probably taken a >> >> more informed stand. >> >> >> >> Thanks, >> >> >> >> Ron >> >> >> >> ========================================== >> >> Monday, April 17, 2006, 11:13:56 AM, you wrote: >> >> >> >> > Ron, >> >> >> >> > I hope that you will reconsider renewing your >> >> membership in AOTA and >> >> your state association. >> >> >> >> > For $80/year, I think the Florida Occupational >> >> Therapy Association >> >> does quite a bit for your dues. >> >> > http://www.flota.org/member.html >> >> > As you probably know, your dues go to support a >> >> lobbyist and an >> >> > association management company in Tallahassee. >> >> > This year FOTA created a political action >> >> committee to strengthen its >> >> influence. >> >> > >> >> >> > >> > http://www.flota.org/FOCUS/FOCUS%20March-April%202006.pdf >> >> > Three years ago AOTA worked with FOTA to defeat >> a >> >> proposal that >> >> > would have tripled licensure fees. >> >> >> >> > Certainly AOTA and the profession faces many >> >> challanges. I think >> >> > it's easy to blame AOTA for everything that >> isn't >> >> going right in the >> >> > profession. But is AOTA a building in >> Bethesda, >> >> Maryland or is AOTA >> >> > its individual members? There are 115,000 >> >> occupational therapists >> >> > and occupational therapy assistants in the US. >> >> AOTA has about >> >> > 35,000 members (including students). The more >> >> members we have, the >> >> > more that we can do to move the profession >> >> forward. >> >> >> >> > I terms of your quote from a leader in the >> >> profession, I think you >> >> > are refering to the AJOT article From the Desk >> of >> >> the Executive >> >> > Director: Charting a Path for the Future which >> was >> >> published in AJOT >> >> > March/April 2005 Volume 59 / Number 2. I will >> >> paste more from that >> >> > article to provide readers with some additional >> >> context. >> >> >> >> > >> http://www.aota.org/ajot/getpdf.asp?doc=5921.pdf >> >> In viewing the >> >> > prospects that lie ahead for occupational >> >> therapy, I am optimistic >> >> > and enthused about the opportunities the >> future >> >> holds. There is no >> >> > question that we face a difficult >> >> environment. Changes in the >> >> > organization and delivery of health care >> >> services and reforms in >> >> > reimbursement systems driven by federal and >> >> state budget pressures >> >> > have profoundly affected occupational therapy >> >> practice. All health >> >> > care professionals are increasingly being >> >> required to demonstrate >> >> > the effectiveness and appropriateness of >> their >> >> services. Resource >> >> > constraints have fostered challenges to the >> >> traditional domains of >> >> > many professions. Nonetheless, as a >> profession >> >> that offers unique >> >> > services that are ideally suited to meet the >> >> health, participation, >> >> > and quality of life needs of people of >> all >> >> ages, occupational >> >> > therapy is well-positioned to succeed and >> >> flourish in the 21st >> >> > century. The philosophy and conceptual >> models >> >> of occupational >> >> > therapy and the needs of society are >> >> intersecting to create great >> >> > opportunities for the future. The full >> >> realization of occupational >> >> > therapy's potential however will depend on >> >> vision, strategy, and >> >> > unity of effort within the professional >> community. >> >> >> >> > AOTA's Representative Assembly will consider a >> >> Proposed Centennial >> >> > Vision Statement at its 2006 meeting in >> Charlotte, >> >> North Carolina. >> >> > Detailed background information is available on >> >> AOTA's website >> >> > including information about how the proposed >> >> statement came about. >> >> > I will paste an excerpt below. Elements to a >> >> shared vision were >> >> > identified, as were barriers. Strategic >> >> directions emerged from >> >> additional discussions. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> http://www.aota.org/members/area6/2006-ra/ce_VP2.pdf >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> > http://www.aota.org/members/area6/2006-ra/ce_centennial.pdf >> >> >> >> >> >> > Here is the proposed statement: >> >> > "We envision that occupational therapy is a >> >> powerful, widely >> >> > recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based >> >> > profession with a globally connected and >> diverse >> >> workforce meeting >> >> society's occupational needs." >> >> >> >> > Here is the excerpt: >> >> >> >> > "During this process the participants >> considered >> >> member and >> >> > nonmember feedback, and generated shared vision >> >> > elements, identified important underlying >> >> barriers, and defined >> >> > four strategic directions to support the >> proposed >> >> > shared centennial vision. >> >> >> >> > The eight elements viewed as relevant to a >> shared >> >> vision included: >> >> > 1. Expanded collaboration for success >> >> > 2. Power to influence >> >> > 3. Membership equals professional >> responsibility >> >> > 4. Well-prepared, diverse workforce >> >> > 5. Clear, compelling public image >> >> > 6. Customers who demand occupational therapy >> >> > 7. Evidence-based decision making >> >> > 8. Science-fostered innovation in occupational >> >> therapy practice >> >> >> >> > Six barriers were identified: >> >> > 1. Rigid adherence to the status quo >> >> > 2. Misalignment between the current OT >> priorities >> >> and the external >> >> environment >> >> > 3. Limited appeal of AOTA membership >> >> > 4. Inconsistent competencies for education and >> >> practice >> >> > 5. Overemphasis on a "helping culture" in the >> OT >> >> workforce >> >> > 6. Unclear professional language and >> terminology >> >> >> >> > Four strategic directions emerged after a >> careful >> >> analysis of barriers >> >> and opportunities: >> >> >> >> > 1. Building the capacity to fulfill the >> >> profession's potential and >> >> mission. >> >> > This includes: >> >> > * Ensuring an adequate and diverse workforce >> for >> >> multiple roles >> >> > * Preparing OTs and OTAs for the 21st Century. >> >> > * Increasing research capacity and productivity >> >> > * Strengthening our capacity to influence and >> lead >> >> >> >> > 2. Demonstrating and articulating our value to >> >> individuals, >> >> organizations, and >> >> > communities. >> >> > This includes: >> >> > * Meeting societal needs for health and >> well-being >> >> > * People understanding who we are and what we >> do >> >> > 3. Building an inclusive community of members >> >> > 4. Linking education, research, and practice >> >> >> >> > Chuck Willmarth >> >> > Director, State Affairs >> >> > AOTA >> >> >> >> >>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4/16/2006 4:08 PM >>> >> >> > For one, I have not considered my State >> >> association membership to >> >> be >> >> > worth the money. Even though I recently >> >> joined, I am not sure that >> >> I >> >> > will renew. >> >> >> >> > Regarding AOTA, I am not pleased with the >> way >> >> our leaders present >> >> our >> >> > profession. I sometimes feel that some AOTA >> >> leaders have a >> >> PollyAnna >> >> > perspective. >> >> >> >> > For example, a while back one of our leaders >> >> stated: >> >> >> >> > "In the United States, occupational >> >> therapy is ideally suited >> >> to >> >> > meet the health needs of people of all >> >> ages." >> >> >> >> > Personally, I think the above quote is far >> >> off-base and should >> >> read >> >> > something like: >> >> >> >> > "In the United States, OT is missing >> the >> >> mark on being able >> >> to >> >> > best meet the needs of patients who >> most >> >> need our services." >> >> >> >> > This is just one example of why I am >> questioning >> >> my financial support >> >> of >> >> > AOTA. Granted, AOTA has personally helped me >> but I >> >> am unsure of the >> >> cost >> >> > benefit of continued support. >> >> >> >> > Ron >> >> >> >> >> >> > -- >> >> > Unsubscribe? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> > Change options? >> >> > >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> > Archive? >> >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> > Help? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Unsubscribe? >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> Change options? >> >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> Archive? >> >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> Help? >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> >> >> Message: 3 >> >> Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:36:33 -0400 >> >> From: "Joe Wells" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] questions >> >> To: <[email protected]> >> >> Message-ID: >> >> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; >> >> charset="iso-8859-1"; >> >> reply-type=original >> >> >> >> Ron: >> >> >> >> You been a busy man! >> >> >> >> Well, as I said- you will have to choose your own >> >> battle. It could be- >> >> 1. Brand- recognition/ true autonomous >> >> "professional" status equal to >> >> others, second to none >> >> 2. Direct access under Medicare/ Medicaid >> >> 3. Home health qualifying service under Medicare >> >> 4. Justifying the "occupation" in occupational >> >> therapy (if you truly believe >> >> that "occupation-based" therapy is the answer) >> >> 5. Making occupational therapy scientific/ >> >> evidence-based >> >> 6. Make OT the preferred hab & rehab services >> >> provider under the medical >> >> model or otherwise >> >> 7. Have the OT logo on the 'backpack' or, may be >> >> even the 'walker basket' >> >> 8. Establish OT as a holistic health service >> serving >> >> all age groups >> >> 9. Or, even re-name the profession- I personally >> >> feel had we gone with >> >> Ergo-therapy, it would have saved a lot of >> confusion >> >> today >> >> >> >> So, Ron, as your fellow soldier, I truly hope you >> >> will not quit the >> >> battlefield even though you can not see >> eye-to-eye >> >> with some of the >> >> commanders, and though the army may seem to be on >> >> the losing end and we are >> >> currently under heavy fire. So, which battle did >> you >> >> choose? We have to win >> >> the war. >> >> >> >> Joe Wells, OTR/L >> >> www.americare-health.com >> >> www.f-cot.org >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> >> From: "Ron Carson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> To: "Joe Wells" <[email protected]> >> >> Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 10:40 PM >> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] questions >> >> >> >> >> >> > Joe, this is toooooo good!!! >> >> > >> >> > What is the battle? >> >> > >> >> > =============================================== >> >> > Monday, April 17, 2006, >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> Choose your battle, select your general, >> >> gather your logistics, >> >> >> declare war and.....fight! If you lose, at >> least >> >> you lose trying. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > -- >> >> > Unsubscribe? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> > >> >> > Change options? >> >> > www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> > >> >> > Archive? >> >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> > >> >> > Help? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> > >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> >> >> Message: 4 >> >> Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 07:19:24 -0400 >> >> From: Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] questions >> >> To: Charles Willmarth <[email protected]> >> >> Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii >> >> >> >> Hello Chuck: >> >> >> >> Thanks for the link, I hope other OTlisters will >> >> read the letter. >> >> >> >> It sort of highlights my previous message >> >> about AOTA not making >> >> anything public regarding the dissension between >> the >> >> professions!! >> >> >> >> Ron >> >> >> >> =============================================== >> >> Wednesday, April 19, 2006, [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> wrote: >> >> >> >> > Ron, >> >> >> >> > Check out this page on APTA's website: >> >> > >> >> >> > >> > http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8895 >> >> >> >> > Click on the link "letter." >> >> >> >> > Chuck >> >> >> >> >>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/19/06 10:03 PM >>> >> >> > Hello Chuck, thanks for writing. There are >> so >> >> many things in your >> >> > message that it's difficult to respond to them >> >> all. So, I guess that I >> >> > will just pick a couple topics. >> >> >> >> > For one, I don't blame AOTA for everything >> wrong >> >> with our profession. >> >> > I don't really blame them for anything, I >> just >> >> don't agree with some >> >> > of what does and doesn't go one. Obviously, I >> >> know NOTHING about the >> >> > inner workings of AOTA, all I know is what I >> >> read, either as official >> >> > documentation or through non-official >> channels. >> >> I base my opinion of >> >> > AOTA on these sources. I have no doubt >> that >> >> AOTA is full of hard >> >> > working people, and I am not knocking anyone >> for >> >> doing their job. But, >> >> > I do have a difference of opinion about some >> >> things and I certainly >> >> > feel that voicing that opinion is appropriate. >> >> >> >> > Your below message reiterates that OT is >> >> ideally suited to meet the >> >> > needs of people of all ages, however, I again >> >> take great exception to >> >> > this statement. Many factors stand in the way >> of >> >> OT being able to meet >> >> > peoples needs. Off the top of my head, here are >> a >> >> couple: >> >> >> >> > 1. Lack of unity within our profession >> >> > 2. Lack of name recognition among payers and >> >> referral sources >> >> > 3. Lack of consistency in service delivery >> >> > 4. Lack of consistency between philosophical >> base >> >> and service delivery >> >> > environment >> >> >> >> > Chuck, I don't think that AOTA is to blame >> for >> >> these problems. I do >> >> > think, however, that when AOTA leaders >> >> continually focus on the >> >> > positive aspects of our profession to the >> >> exclusion of the negative, >> >> > then they are painting a false picture and >> doing >> >> a disservice to our >> >> > profession. >> >> >> >> > For example, a while back, APTA was >> pushing >> >> hard to gain Medicare >> >> > direct access. In the process, AOTA took a >> stand >> >> basically saying that >> >> > if PT gets direct access, then so should OT and >> >> SLP. APTA took this as >> >> > AOTA was not supporting them. The APTA >> president >> >> really came down hard >> >> > on AOTA saying that they were reevaluating >> >> their relationship with >> >> > AOTA. Now, AOTA was great about disseminating >> >> information about what >> >> > how they had gone to bat for our >> profession >> >> but they never once >> >> > publicly mentioned the dissension between APTA >> >> and AOTA. I think this >> >> > is wrong and that AOTA should have let us >> know >> >> the entire story, but >> >> > they didn't. PT's knew about it because it >> >> was on their web page. >> >> > Thus, PT's in the work force knew. I'm sure >> >> there were many OT's who >> >> > were caught off guard by the situation, whereas >> >> had AOTA told us about >> >> > it and posted some information, then OT's >> could >> >> have probably taken a >> >> > more informed stand. >> >> >> >> > Thanks, >> >> >> >> > Ron >> >> >> >> > ========================================== >> >> > Monday, April 17, 2006, 11:13:56 AM, you wrote: >> >> >> >> >> Ron, >> >> >> >> >> I hope that you will reconsider renewing your >> >> membership in AOTA and >> >> > your state association. >> >> >> >> >> For $80/year, I think the Florida Occupational >> >> Therapy Association >> >> > does quite a bit for your dues. >> >> >> http://www.flota.org/member.html >> >> >> As you probably know, your dues go to support >> a >> >> lobbyist and an >> >> >> association management company in Tallahassee. >> >> >> This year FOTA created a political action >> >> committee to strengthen its >> >> > influence. >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> > http://www.flota.org/FOCUS/FOCUS%20March-April%202006.pdf >> >> >> Three years ago AOTA worked with FOTA to >> defeat a >> >> proposal that >> >> >> would have tripled licensure fees. >> >> >> >> >> Certainly AOTA and the profession faces many >> >> challanges. I think >> >> >> it's easy to blame AOTA for everything that >> isn't >> >> going right in the >> >> >> profession. But is AOTA a building in >> Bethesda, >> >> Maryland or is AOTA >> >> >> its individual members? There are 115,000 >> >> occupational therapists >> >> >> and occupational therapy assistants in the US. >> >> AOTA has about >> >> >> 35,000 members (including students). The more >> >> members we have, the >> >> >> more that we can do to move the profession >> >> forward. >> >> >> >> >> I terms of your quote from a leader in the >> >> profession, I think you >> >> >> are refering to the AJOT article From the >> Desk >> >> of the Executive >> >> >> Director: Charting a Path for the Future which >> >> was published in AJOT >> >> >> March/April 2005 Volume 59 / Number 2. I will >> >> paste more from that >> >> >> article to provide readers with some >> additional >> >> context. >> >> >> >> >> >> http://www.aota.org/ajot/getpdf.asp?doc=5921.pdf >> >> In viewing the >> >> >> prospects that lie ahead for occupational >> >> therapy, I am optimistic >> >> >> and enthused about the opportunities the >> future >> >> holds. There is no >> >> >> question that we face a difficult >> >> environment. Changes in the >> >> >> organization and delivery of health care >> >> services and reforms in >> >> >> reimbursement systems driven by federal and >> >> state budget pressures >> >> >> have profoundly affected occupational >> therapy >> >> practice. All health >> >> >> care professionals are increasingly being >> >> required to demonstrate >> >> >> the effectiveness and appropriateness of >> their >> >> services. Resource >> >> >> constraints have fostered challenges to the >> >> traditional domains of >> >> >> many professions. Nonetheless, as a >> profession >> >> that offers unique >> >> >> services that are ideally suited to meet the >> >> health, participation, >> >> >> and quality of life needs of people of >> all >> >> ages, occupational >> >> >> therapy is well-positioned to succeed and >> >> flourish in the 21st >> >> >> century. The philosophy and conceptual >> >> models of occupational >> >> >> therapy and the needs of society are >> >> intersecting to create great >> >> >> opportunities for the future. The full >> >> realization of occupational >> >> >> therapy's potential however will depend on >> >> vision, strategy, and >> >> >> unity of effort within the professional >> >> community. >> >> >> >> >> AOTA's Representative Assembly will consider a >> >> Proposed Centennial >> >> >> Vision Statement at its 2006 meeting in >> >> Charlotte, North Carolina. >> >> >> Detailed background information is available >> on >> >> AOTA's website >> >> >> including information about how the proposed >> >> statement came about. >> >> >> I will paste an excerpt below. Elements to a >> >> shared vision were >> >> >> identified, as were barriers. Strategic >> >> directions emerged from >> >> > additional discussions. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> http://www.aota.org/members/area6/2006-ra/ce_VP2.pdf >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> > http://www.aota.org/members/area6/2006-ra/ce_centennial.pdf >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Here is the proposed statement: >> >> >> "We envision that occupational therapy is a >> >> powerful, widely >> >> >> recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based >> >> >> profession with a globally connected and >> diverse >> >> workforce meeting >> >> > society's occupational needs." >> >> >> >> >> Here is the excerpt: >> >> >> >> >> "During this process the participants >> considered >> >> member and >> >> >> nonmember feedback, and generated shared >> vision >> >> >> elements, identified important underlying >> >> barriers, and defined >> >> >> four strategic directions to support the >> proposed >> >> >> shared centennial vision. >> >> >> >> >> The eight elements viewed as relevant to a >> shared >> >> vision included: >> >> >> 1. Expanded collaboration for success >> >> >> 2. Power to influence >> >> >> 3. Membership equals professional >> responsibility >> >> >> 4. Well-prepared, diverse workforce >> >> >> 5. Clear, compelling public image >> >> >> 6. Customers who demand occupational therapy >> >> >> 7. Evidence-based decision making >> >> >> 8. Science-fostered innovation in occupational >> >> therapy practice >> >> >> >> >> Six barriers were identified: >> >> >> 1. Rigid adherence to the status quo >> >> >> 2. Misalignment between the current OT >> priorities >> >> and the external >> >> > environment >> >> >> 3. Limited appeal of AOTA membership >> >> >> 4. Inconsistent competencies for education and >> >> practice >> >> >> 5. Overemphasis on a "helping culture" in the >> OT >> >> workforce >> >> >> 6. Unclear professional language and >> terminology >> >> >> >> >> Four strategic directions emerged after a >> careful >> >> analysis of barriers >> >> > and opportunities: >> >> >> >> >> 1. Building the capacity to fulfill the >> >> profession's potential and >> >> > mission. >> >> >> This includes: >> >> >> * Ensuring an adequate and diverse workforce >> for >> >> multiple roles >> >> >> * Preparing OTs and OTAs for the 21st Century. >> >> >> * Increasing research capacity and >> productivity >> >> >> * Strengthening our capacity to influence and >> >> lead >> >> >> >> >> 2. Demonstrating and articulating our value to >> >> individuals, >> >> > organizations, and >> >> >> communities. >> >> >> This includes: >> >> >> * Meeting societal needs for health and >> >> well-being >> >> >> * People understanding who we are and what we >> do >> >> >> 3. Building an inclusive community of members >> >> >> 4. Linking education, research, and practice >> >> >> >> >> Chuck Willmarth >> >> >> Director, State Affairs >> >> >> AOTA >> >> >> >> >>>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4/16/2006 4:08 PM >>> >> >> >> For one, I have not considered my State >> >> association membership to >> >> > be >> >> >> worth the money. Even though I recently >> >> joined, I am not sure that >> >> > I >> >> >> will renew. >> >> >> >> >> Regarding AOTA, I am not pleased with the >> way >> >> our leaders present >> >> > our >> >> >> profession. I sometimes feel that some >> AOTA >> >> leaders have a >> >> > PollyAnna >> >> >> perspective. >> >> >> >> >> For example, a while back one of our leaders >> >> stated: >> >> >> >> >> "In the United States, occupational >> >> therapy is ideally suited >> >> > to >> >> >> meet the health needs of people of all >> >> ages." >> >> >> >> >> Personally, I think the above quote is >> far >> >> off-base and should >> >> > read >> >> >> something like: >> >> >> >> >> "In the United States, OT is missing >> >> the mark on being able >> >> > to >> >> >> best meet the needs of patients who >> most >> >> need our services." >> >> >> >> >> This is just one example of why I am >> questioning >> >> my financial support >> >> > of >> >> >> AOTA. Granted, AOTA has personally helped me >> but >> >> I am unsure of the >> >> > cost >> >> >> benefit of continued support. >> >> >> >> >> Ron >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> Unsubscribe? >> >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> Change options? >> >> >> >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> >> Archive? >> >> >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> >> Help? >> >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > -- >> >> > Unsubscribe? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> > Change options? >> >> > >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> > Archive? >> >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> > Help? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > -- >> >> > Unsubscribe? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> > Change options? >> >> > >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> > Archive? >> >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> > Help? >> >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Unsubscribe? >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> Change options? >> >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> >> >> Archive? >> >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> >> Help? >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> End of OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 8 >> >> ************************************* >> >> >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Unsubscribe? >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > >> > Change options? >> > www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> > >> > Archive? >> > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> > >> > Help? >> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> -- >> Unsubscribe? >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> Change options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> Help? >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> End of OTlist Digest, Vol 15, Issue 14 >> ************************************** >> > > > -- > Unsubscribe? > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Change options? > www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com > > Archive? > www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > Help? > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > -- Unsubscribe? 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