Hello Chuck: You said:
CW> AOTA and state OT associations have pursued amendment language CW> that states CW> "functional training related to physical movement and mobility in CW> self-care and in home, community or work integration or CW> reintegration." When I look at the above, I feel that the words "functional training related to physical movement and mobility" are NOT threats to our domain. However, I think that "Self-care and in home, community or work integration" are. It seems to me that a better way to limit PT's scope is to leave off the self care and integration components. It also occurs to me that the vast majority of adult patients are referred to therapy for movement and mobility related issues. In fact, the majority (maybe all) of my patients are seen exactly for these reasons. And while daily living skills certainly involve much more than just physical movement, in adults it is often the loss of physical movement (i.e. spinal cord injury, CVA, fracture, arthoplasty, weakness, ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc) that lead people to therapy. And according to AOTA's proposed PT scope of practice language, as far as payers, doctors and patient's are concerned, PT can equally treat as well as OT. Ron P.S. As always, thanks for the dialogue! ----- Original Message ----- From: Chuck Willmarth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] PT's and Functional Trainig CW> Ron, CW> I'm not sure what you mean by "I think the key word for limiting PT's CW> practice is in 'function' as it relates to self-care, mobility, etc." CW> The model PT practice act includes the phrase "functional training in CW> self care and in home, community or work reintegration." AOTA and state CW> OT associations have pursued amendment language that states "functional CW> training related to physical movement and mobility in self-care and in CW> home, community or work integration or reintegration." The purpose of CW> the amendment language is clarify the context of interventions by CW> physical therapists. CW> Re: "All function involves movement and most involves mobility." CW> OK, but performing ADLs is not just about the ability to move body CW> parts. OT interventions are complex and consider many factors. From CW> AOTA's Scope of Practice document: CW> "Evaluation of factors affecting activities of daily living (ADL), CW> instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, CW> leisure, and social participation, including CW> 1. Client factors, including body functions (e.g., neuromuscular, CW> sensory, visual, perceptual, cognitive) and body structures (e.g., CW> cardiovascular, digestive, integumentary, genitourinary systems). CW> 2. Habits, routines, roles, and behavior patterns. CW> 3. Cultural, physical, environmental, social, and spiritual contexts and CW> activity demands that affect performance. CW> 4. Performance skills, including motor, process, and CW> communication/interaction skills." CW> Chuck CW> -----Original Message----- CW> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] CW> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On CW> Behalf Of Ron Carson CW> Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 4:27 PM CW> To: Chuck Willmarth CW> Subject: Re: [OTlist] PT's and Functional Trainig CW> Hello Chuck: CW> The whole concept of "functional training" is very etheral. I see the CW> word function in everything from orthopedic surgeons all the way to CW> recreational therapists. CW> What I'm trying to say is that limiting physical therapist to CW> functional training as it relates to movement and mobility is really CW> no limit at all. With a few notable exceptions, all function involves CW> movement and most involves mobility. CW> While applauding AOTA's efforts, I just don't see how the modified CW> language is going to prevent encroachment. I think the key word for CW> limiting PT's practice is in "function" as it relates to self-care, CW> mobility, etc. CW> Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
