ms HEATHER PARSONS

No bill number - Continued funding for NIH and NIDILRR No bill number - Support for Lifespan Respite and increased funding for National and Native American Family Caregiver Support Programs in FY26 LHHS appropriations H.R. 926 LHHS appropriations bill- Support inclusion of language similar to H.R.4037/S.2847, the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act in report language

S.1101/H.R.2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage

H.R.879 Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act - support passage H.R. 9693 - the Patient's First Act - support passage, particularly provisions providing an annual inflationary update to the physician fee schedule. H.R. 8163 and S. 5180 the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act - support passage. H.R.2013 Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act - support passage and introduction of similar bill in Senate H.R.1614, therapy telehealth act - support passage S.1261/H.R.4206 CONNECT for Health Act - advocate for provision to establish OTs as permanent Medicare telehealth providers No bill number - Asking for potential carve out of schools from Medicaid referral requirement S.2847/H.R.4037 Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act - support passage H.R. 926 LHHS Appropriations bill- Support inclusion of language similar to H.R.4037/S.2847, the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act in report language H.R.4204 Medicare Patient Choice Act - support passage S.2329/H.R.4475 Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act - support passage S.2830 WELL Seniors Act - support passage S.2709/H.R.5081 Telehealth Modernization Act - support passage H.R.4559 Prompt and Fair Pay Act - support passage H.R.1171/S.2612 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act - support passage H.R. 8386 Removing Excessive Cuts to Outpatient and Vital Essential Rehabilitation (RECOVER) Act - support passage No bill number - Support legislation to make occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech language pathology a mandatory Medicaid benefit.

H.R.3183/S.668 SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act - support passage

S.1101/H.R.2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage H.R.2483 Substance Use Disorder Prevent that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT Act) - support passage H.R.3655 STAR Plus Scholarship Act - support passage No bill number: Asking for potential carve out of schools from Medicaid referral requirement No bill number: support for the inclusion of report language to expand youth awareness of 988 Lifeline and prioritize peer-led suicide prevention on campuses in the FY26 LHHS Appropriations No bill number: support $20M for Lifespan Respite and increased funding for National and Native American Family Caregiver Support Programs in FY26 LHHS appropriations

S.1101/H.R.2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage

H.R.879 Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act - support passage No bill number: Support an annual inflationary update or an increase for 2025 and 2026 to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule No bill number: Support an extension of telehealth waivers under Medicare after the September 30, 2025 expiration, including in Continuing Resolutions. H.Con.Res.14 and H.R.1- ask Congress to limit cuts to state funding for Medicaid and limit burden when applying eligibility checks and requirements H.R.1171 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act (SAFE Act) - support passage H.R.2013 Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act - support passage and introduction of similar bill in Senate H.R.1614, therapy telehealth act - support passage S.1261 CONNECT for Health Act - advocate for provision to establish OTs as permanent Medicare telehealth providers No bill number: Asking for potential carve out of schools from Medicaid referral requirement S.2847/H.R.4037 Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act - support passage H.R.4204 Medicare Patient Choice Act - support passage S.2329/H.R.4475 Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act - support passage S.2830 WELL Seniors Act - support passage S.2709/H.R.5081 Telehealth Modernization Act - support passage

No Bill Number: requested Congressional intervention related to non-payment of Tri-Care claims across the country, that are the result of a switch in vendors on January 1st. H.R.3183/S.668 SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act - support passage

No Bill Number: Support for continued role for the Department of Education, especially in administering IDEA and ESSA IDEA Full Funding Act (HR 2598/S 343) No Bill Number: GROW SISPS Act reintroduction No Bill Number: Advocated for signatures for Congressional letter to the Department of Education No Bill Number: Oppose reductions to Pell Grants or reduction to minimum number of credits No Bill Number: Oppose elimination of subsidized federal undergraduate or graduate student loans No Bill Number: Oppose elimination of Grad Plus and Parent Plus loans

H.R. 2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage H.R. 2483 Substance Use Disorder Prevent that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (Support Act) - support passage No bill number: Asking for public health data to be restored to websites No bill number: Asking for reversal to the temporary halt to research funding that occurred in February No bill number: Asking for potential carve out of schools from Medicaid referral requirement No bill number: support for the inclusion of report language to expand youth awareness of 988 Lifeline and prioritize peer-led suicide prevention on campuses in the FY26 LHHS Appropriations No bill number: support $20M for Lifespan Respite and increased funding for National and Native American Family Caregiver Support Programs in FY26 LHHS appropriations

H.R. 2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage

H.R. 879 Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act - support passage No bill number: Support an annual inflationary update or an increase for 2025 and 2026 to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule No bill number: Support an extension of telehealth waivers under Medicare after the September 30, 2025 expiration H.Con.Res. 14 and H.R. 1- ask Congress to limit cuts to state funding for Medicaid and limit burden when applying eligibility checks and requirements H.R. 1171 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act (SAFE Act) - support passage H.R. 2013 Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act - support passage and introduction of similar bill in Senate H.R. 1614, therapy telehealth act - Support passage S.1261 CONNECT for Health Act - advocate for provision to establish OTs as permanent Medicare telehealth providers No bill number: Asking for potential carve out of schools from Medicaid referral requirement H.R. 1171 Safe Act - Support passage H.R.4037 Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act - Support passage H.R.4204 Medicare Patient Choice Act - Support passage

H.R. 2332 State Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE Act) - support passage

H.R. 879 Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act - support passage No bill number: Support an annual inflationary update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule No bill number: support an extension of telehealth waivers under Medicare after the March 31st expiration H.Con.Res. 14 - asking for limited cuts to Mediciad H.R. 1171 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act (SAFE Act) - support passage H.R. 2013 Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act - support passage H.R. 1614 - support passage S.1261 CONNECT for Health Act - advocate for provision to establish OTs as permanent Medicare telehealth providers

No Bill Number: requested Congressional intervention related to non-payment of Tri-Care claims across the country, that are the result of a switch in vendors on January 1st.

None

S. 4556 - support Safe STEPS for Veterans Act

None

none

HR 4315/S3977 - Medicare Orthotics & Prosthetics Patient Centered Care Act: Advocate for passage to stop fraud in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics and to ensure access to needed orthotic devices. HR 4878/S 2459 - EMPOWER Act: Advocate for passage of EMPOWER Act, which would change the Medicare supervision requirement for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in private practice from "direct" supervision to match state standards and require GAO student of impact of 15% reimbursement cut for OTAs and PTAs in rural and medically underserved areas. H.R. 2474 - Strengthen Medicare for Patients and Providers Act: Support passage. No bill number - Advocate for introduction of legislation allowing occupational therapy practitioners to opt-out of Medicare. No bill number - Support legislation that will reverse the current Medicare multiple procedure payment reduction for therapy services. No bill number Support legislation that will improve the ability of therapy providers to participate in Medicare quality payment programs. HR 3875/S 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocate for passage in the House and Senate to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. H.R.7623/S.3967 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocate for passage of bill that would among other things establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. S. 2016 and HR 4189 - CONNECT for Health Act: Advocate to revise provisions of legislation to specifically establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. H.R. 8261 - Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act: Advocate for passage of bill that would extend waivers allowing OTs to provide services via telehealth in Medicare. H.R.8151 - Telehealth Therapy Act: Advocate for passage of bill that would allow OTs to provide services via telehealth in Medicare on a permanent basis. H.R.7148 - Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act: Advocate for passage of legislation that would establish occupational therapy as a qualifying Medicare home health service and for introduction of similar bill in the Senate. S. 1592/H.R.8220 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage. S. 2942 WELL Seniors Act - support passage H.R. 6371 Provider Reimbursement Stability Act - support passage H.R. 6545 Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act - support passage H.R. 6683 Preserving Seniors Access to Physicians Act - support passage S. 3430 Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act - support passage S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage H.R.7279 REDUCE Act: Supported introduction and passage. H.R. 7618 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act: Supported introduction and passage. S. 5023 support Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act Support Congressional efforts to stop cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Support inclusion of a repeal of the Multiple Procedure payment reduction in Medicare Fee Schedule Reform

No bill number - Discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate. No bill number - GROW SISPS Act from prior congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week resolution: support introduction. No bill number - Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage. 10/24/24 - Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker - School-Based Occupational Therapy 10/24/24 - Meeting on Medicaid school-based services with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker and Special Assistant to the President for Education Roberto Rodriguez 11/15/24 - Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker - School-Based Occupational Therapy 12/19/24 - Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker - School-Based Occupational Therapy

No bill number - Grow SISPS Act from 117th Congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. HR 1310 - SHARE Act: Support passage and seek Senate introduction.

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462/HR 4933 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into S. 462, similar to provisions in the draft "Primary Care and Health Workforce Expansion Act;" and advocate for passage of HR 4933. S. 1592 - OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives. S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 - Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage. Medicare Bump Act - Support passage No Bill Number - Funding for Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for funding No Bill Number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding Support or reauthorization of Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679

None

HR 4315/S3977 - Medicare Orthotics & Prosthetics Patient Centered Care Act: Advocate for passage to stop fraud in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics and to ensure access to needed orthotic devices. HR 4878/S 2459 - EMPOWER Act: Advocate for passage of EMPOWER Act, which would change the Medicare supervision requirement for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in private practice from "direct" supervision to match state standards and require GAO student of impact of 15% reimbursement cut for OTAs and PTAs in rural and medically underserved areas. H.R. 2474 - Strengthen Medicare for Patients and Providers Act: Support passage. No bill number - Advocate for introduction of legislation allowing occupational therapy practitioners to opt-out of Medicare. No bill number - Support legislation that will reverse the current Medicare multiple procedure payment reduction for therapy services. No bill number Support legislation that will improve the ability of therapy providers to participate in Medicare quality payment programs. HR 3875/S 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocate for passage in the House and Senate to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. H.R.7623/S.3967 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage of bill that would among other things establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. S. 2016 and HR 4189 - CONNECT for Health Act: Advocate to revise provisions of legislation to specifically establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. H.R. 8261 - Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act: Advocate for passage of bill that would extend waivers allowing OTs to provide services via telehealth in Medicare. H.R.8151 - Telehealth Therapy Act: Advocate for passage of bill that would allow OTs to provide services via telehealth in Medicare on a permanent basis. H.R.7148 - Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act: Advocate for passage of legislation that would establish occupational therapy as a qualifying Medicare home health service and for introduction of similar bill in the Senate. S. 1592/H.R.8220 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage. S. 2942 WELL Seniors Act - support passage H.R. 6371 Provider Reimbursement Stability Act - support passage H.R. 6545 Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act - support passage H.R. 6683 Preserving Seniors Access to Physicians Act - support passage S. 3430 Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act - support passage S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage H.R.7279 REDUCE Act: Supported introduction and passage. H.R. 7618 Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act: Supported introduction and passage. S. 5023 support Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act Support Congressional efforts to stop cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Support inclusion of a repeal of the Multiple Procedure payment reduction in Medicare Fee Schedule Reform

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for funding. No bill number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding.

None

None

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for funding. No bill number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding.

None

none

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462/HR 4933 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into S. 462, similar to provisions in the draft "Primary Care and Health Workforce Expansion Act;" and advocate for passage of HR 4933. S. 1592 - OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives. S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 - Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage. Medicare Bump Act - Support passage No Bill Number - Funding for Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for funding No Bill Number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding Support or reauthorization of Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679

No bill number - Discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate. No bill number - GROW SISPS Act from prior congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week resolution: support introduction. No bill number - Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage. 5/8/24 - Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker - School-Based Occupational Therapy

None

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for funding. No bill number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding.

None

None

No bill number - Grow SISPS Act from 117th Congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. HR 1310 - SHARE Act: Support passage and seek Senate introduction. 1/25/24 - Meeting with Assistant Secretary of Education Glenna Wright Gallo and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) - Discussed Medicaid in schools. 1/29/24 - Meeting with Assistant Secretary of Education Glenna Wright Gallo, OSERS - Discussed assistive technology. 1/30/24 - Meeting with Danny Carlson, COS in the Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) - Discussed school mental health grants. 2/15/24 - Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker and Eric Gutshell, COS in OSERS - Wisconsin Medicaid in schools. 3/14/24 - Meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Ruth Ryder, OESE - Tour University of Incarnate Word's OTD program in San Antonio, TX 3/18/24 - Briefing and Q&A with Assistant Secretary of Education Glenna Wright Gallo and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Meghan Whittaker, OESE - Discuss OTs role in special education.

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462/HR 4933 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into S. 462, similar to provisions in the draft "Primary Care and Health Workforce Expansion Act;" and advocate for passage of HR 4933. S. 1592 - OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives. S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 - Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage. Medicare Bump Act - Support passage Healthy MINDS Act - Support passage No Bill Number - Funding for Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for funding No Bill Number - Funding for School-Based Mental Health Grant Program: Advocate for funding

none

None

None

None

No bill number - Discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate. No bill number - GROW SISPS Act from prior congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week resolution: support introduction. No bill number - Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage.

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for funding.

None

No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidelines, where appropriate. HR 4315 - Medicare Orthotics & Prosthetics Patient Centered Care Act: Advocate for passage to stop fraud in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics and to ensure access to needed orthotic devices. Advocate for introduction in the Senate. HR 4878/S 2459 - EMPOWER Act: Advocate for passage of EMPOWER Act, which would change the Medicare supervision requirement for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in private practice from "direct" supervision to match state standards and require GAO student of impact of 15% reimbursement cut for OTAs and PTAs in rural and medically underserved areas. H.R. 2474 - Strengthen Medicare for Patients and Providers Act: Support passage. No bill number - Advocate for introduction of legislation allowing occupational therapy practitioners to opt-out of Medicare. No bill number - Support legislation that will reverse the current Medicare multiple procedure payment reduction for therapy services. No bill number Support legislation that will improve the ability of therapy providers to participate in Medicare quality payment programs. HR 3875/S 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocate for passage in the House and Senate to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. No bill number - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocate for reintroduction and inclusion of provision to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. S. 2016 and HR 4189 - CONNECT for Health Act: Advocate to revise provisions of legislation to specifically establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. No bill number - Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act: Advocate for introduction of legislation that would establish occupational therapy as a qualifying Medicare home health service. S. 1592 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives. No bill number - support introduction of legislation to streamline the certification of the plan of care under Medicare No bill number - support introduction of legislation in the House that would add falls prevention to the services included in the Medicare annual wellness visit and add occupational therapist to the list of eligible providers S. 2942 WELL Seniors Act - support passage H.R. 6371 Provider Reimbursement Stability Act - support passage H.R. 6545 Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act - support passage H.R. 6683 Preserving Seniors Access to Physicians Act - support passage S. 3430 Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act - support passage S. 2433/S. 3106/H.R. 4079 Substance-Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act - support passage

none

None

No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidelines, where appropriate. HR 4315 - Medicare Orthotics & Prosthetics Patient Centered Care Act: Advocate for passage to stop fraud in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics and to ensure access to needed orthotic devices. Advocate for introduction in the Senate. HR 4878/S 2459 - EMPOWER Act: Advocate for passage of EMPOWER Act, which would change the Medicare supervision requirement for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in private practice from "direct" supervision to match state standards and require GAO student of impact of 15% reimbursement cut for OTAs and PTAs in rural and medically underserved areas. H.R. 2474 - Strengthen Medicare for Patients and Providers Act: Support passage. No bill number - Advocate for introduction of legislation allowing occupational therapy practitioners to opt-out of Medicare. No bill number - Support legislation that will reverse the current Medicare multiple procedure payment reduction for therapy services. No bill number Support legislation that will improve the ability of therapy providers to participate in Medicare quality payment programs. HR 3875/S 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocate for passage in the House and Senate to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. No bill number - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocate for reintroduction and inclusion of provision to establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. S. 2016 and HR 4189 - CONNECT for Health Act: Advocate to revise provisions of legislation to specifically establish occupational therapists as telehealth providers in Medicare. No bill number - Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act: Advocate for introduction of legislation that would establish occupational therapy as a qualifying Medicare home health service. S. 1592 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives.

none

None

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462/HR 4933 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into S. 462, similar to provisions in the draft "Primary Care and Health Workforce Expansion Act;" and advocate for passage of HR 4933. S. 1592 - OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage and advocate for introduction in the House of Representatives.

None

No bill number - Grow SISPS Act from 117th Congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. HR 1310 - SHARE Act: Support passage and seek Senate introduction.

No bill number - Grow SISPS Act from 117th Congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program.

None

none

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for funding.

None

None

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Meantal Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Replayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into the program. S. 1592 - OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support passage.

No bill number - Discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate. No bill number - GROW SISPS Act from prior congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week resolution: support introduction. No bill number - Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage

No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Meantal Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage H.R. 1310 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act or the SHARE Act: Support passage. S. 462 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Replayment Act of 2023: Advocate for adding occupational therapy back into the program. No bill number - Supporting introduction of mental health legislation based on the Senate Finance Committee discussion draft on improving the mental health workforce from the 117th Congress.

None

No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part B & C: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for IDEA Part D - Personnel Prep. Grants: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for ESSA Title I and Title IVA: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program: Advocate for increased funding. No bill number - Fundring for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program: Advocate for increased funding.

none

No bill number - Grow SISPS Act from 117th Congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - Support funding for the Allied Health Workforce Diversity program.

None

No bill number - Discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid buidance, where appropriate. No bill number - GROW SISPS Act from prior congress: Support reintroduction. No bill number - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week resolution: support introduction. No bil number - Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. H.R. 744 - Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023: Support passage

None

HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Act: Support passage. HR 3320/S 1679 - Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Advocated for inclusion in any future infrastructure package Congress passes. S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage. H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 - Support inclusion of report language allowing occupational therapy doctoral programs to participate in the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) programs. HR 7666-Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 and S 4170-Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022: Advocated to add doctoral occupational therapy programs to the list of programs eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants. HR 7219 - GROW SISPS Act: Support passage. H.R. 9306 - States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act: Support.

No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. HR3792-STRONG Support for Children Act: Support. HR 7219-GROW SISPS Act: Support passage. HR 6532/S 3544 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support. No bill number - discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout. No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate. H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Supported increased funding for IDEA and ESSA.

S 1315/HR 3630 - The Lymphedema Treatment At: Support passage. HR 5536 - Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy (SMART) Act: Advocated for passage of SMART Act and related S5 (To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate supervision requirements for outpatient physical therapy and outpatient occupational therapy), which contained provision of SMART Act that revised supervision rules for Occupational Therapy Assistants. HR 2168/S3193 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage. HR 1990/S 2556 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act: Lobbied for changes to the bills to ensure the legislation does not disrupt the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide and bill for orthotics and prosthetics and related services under Medicare. S.4712-OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support Passage of bill to direct CMS to put forward guidance clarifying that occupational therapy services can be provided to a person with a mental or behavioral health diagnosis under Medicare and Medicaid. HR3173/S3018-Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Support passage. HR 6202 - Telehealth Extension Act: Endorsed S.3593 - Telehealth Extension & Evaluation Act: Endorsed HR 6770-PACE Plus Act and S 3626 PACE Expanded Act: Support passage HR 8800 - Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022: Advocate for passage HR 4040, Advancing Telehealth Beond COVID-19 Act of 2021 - Support Senate adoption to extend telehealth waivers through the end of 2024. Provision adopted as part of the year-end Omnibus. H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023: Support inclusion of all above provisions in end of year Omnibus bill. No bill: Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidelines, where appropriate. No bill number: Support for passage of legislative provisions to clarify providers who are exempt from competitive bidding when providing orthotics and prosthetics, and reducing fraud in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics.

None

HR 7666 - Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 and S 4170 - Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022: Advocated to add doctoral occupational therapy programs to the list of programs eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants. HR 2461/S 1089 - Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study): Support passage HR 3320/S 1679 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Support passage. HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2021: Support passage. HR 909/S 484 - Moms Matter Act: Support passage. HR 7116 - 9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022: Support passage. S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage. S 4306 - Improving Access to Behavioral Health Integration Act: Support passage. HR 6770-PACE Plus Act and S 3626-PACE Expanded Act: Support passage. HR 7667 - Food and Drug Amendments of 2022: Support for Section 811. Bans of Devices for One or More Intended Uses. S. 4348-FDASLA Act of 2022: Support for Sen. Chris Murphy's amendment banning the use of electric skin shock devices. HR 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023: Support inclusion of all above provisions in end of year Omnibus bill.

No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. HR3792-STRONG Support for Children Act: Support. HR 7219-GROW SISPS Act: Support passage. HR 6532/S 3544 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support. H Res. 1063/S Res. 604 - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week: Support No bill number - discussed creation of occupational therapy led program to address school-based staff burnout. No bill number - Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidance, where appropriate.

S 1315/HR 3630 - The Lymphedema Treatment At: Support passage. HR 5536 - Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy (SMART) Act: Advocated for passage and support introduction of similar legislation in the Senate. HR 2168/S3193 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage. HR 1990/S 2556 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act: Lobbied for changes to the bills to ensure the legislation does not disrupt the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide and bill for orthotics and prosthetics and related services under Medicare. S.4712-OT Mental Health Parity Act: Support Passage of bill to direct CMS to put forward guidance clarifying that occupational therapy services can be provided to a person with a mental or behavioral health diagnosis under Medicare and Medicaid. HR3173/S3018-Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Support passage. HR 6202 - Telehealth Extension Act: Endorsed S.3593 - Telehealth Extension & Evaluation Act: Endorsed HR 6770-PACE Plus Act and S 3626 PACE Expanded Act: Support passage HR 8201: Promoting Health Care Quality Act of 2002 - support passage. No bill: Supported efforts to include occupational therapy in new school-based Medicaid guidelines, where appropriate. HR 8800 - Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022: Advocate for passage

HR 7666 - Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 and S 4170 - Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022: Advocated to add doctoral occupational therapy programs to the list of programs eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants. HR 2461/S 1089 - Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study): Support passage HR 3320/S 1679 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Support passage. HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2021: Support passage. HR 909/S 484 - Moms Matter Act: Support passage. HR 7116 - 9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022: Support passage. S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage. S 4306 - Improving Access to Behavioral Health Integration Act: Support passage. HR 6770-PACE Plus Act and S 3626-PACE Expanded Act: Support passage. HR 7667 - Food and Drug Amendments of 2022: Support for Section 811. Bans of Devices for One or More Intended Uses. S. 4348-FDASLA Act of 2022: Support for Sen. Chris Murphy's amendment banning the use of electric skin shock devices.

S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage.

No bill Number: Funding for IDEA Part D - support increased funding. No bill number: Inclusion of report language in FY23 Labor-HS appropriations bill allowing occupational therapy doctoral programs to participate in the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) programs

No bill Number: Funding for IDEA Part D - support increased funding. S 176 - Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act: Support passage. No bill number: Inclusion of report language in FY23 Labor-HS appropriations bill allowing occupational therapy doctoral programs to participate in the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) programs

HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Act: Support passage. HR 3320/S 1679 - Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Advocated for inclusion in any future infrastructure package Congress passes. S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage. No bill number: Inclusion of report language in FY23 Labor-HHS appropriations bill allowing occupational therapy doctoral programs to participate in the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) programs. HR 7666-Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 and S 4170-Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022: Advocated to add doctoral occupational therapy programs to the list of programs eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants. HR 7219 - GROW SISPS Act: Support passage. No bill: Support possible legislation to ease administrative burdens with the creation of interstate licensing compacts.

None

No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in emergency preparedness and response, and for better planning for the needs of people with disabilities before, during and after an emergency. No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. S. 2658 - The Real Emergency Access for Aging & Disability inclusion for Disasters Act: Support passage. HR 7667 - Food and Drug Amendments of 2022: Support for Section 811. Bans of Devices for One or More Intended Uses. S. 4748-FDASLA Act of 2022: Support for Sen. Chris Murphy's amendment banning the use of electric skin shock devices. No Bill: Advocated for occupational therapy's role in long COVID treatment and recovery.

none

HR 1868 - A bill to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts and for other purposes: Support for delaying Medicare Sequester and passage of bill. S 1315/HR 3630 - The Lymphedema Treatment At: Support passage. HR 5536 - Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy (SMART) Act: Advocated for passage HR 2168/S3193 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage. HR 1990/S 2556 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act: Lobbied for changes to the bills to ensure the legislation does not disrupt the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide and bill for orthotics and prosthetics and related services under Medicare. No bill number: advocated for inclusion of language in Senate mental health legislation, directing CMS to put forward guidance clarifying that occupational therapy services can be provided to a person with a mental or behavioral health diagnosis under Medicare and Medicaid. No bill number: advocated for inclusion of language in Senate mental health legislation requiring an occupational therapy evaluation for anyone with dementia who lives in a skilled nursing or long-term care facility, or who is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. HR3173/S3018-Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Support passage. HR 6202 - Telehealth Extension Act: Endorsed S.3593 - Telehealth Extension & Evaluation Act: Endorsed HR 6770-PACE Plus Act and S 3626 PACE Expanded Act: Support passage S 2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: Support passage. No bill: Advocated for occupational therapy's role in long COVID treatment and recovery.

none

None

HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Act: Support passage. HR 3320/S 1679 - Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Advocated for inclusion in any future infrastructure package Congress passes. S. 3799 - PREVENT Pandemics Act: Support passage. No bill number: Inclusion of report language in FY23 Labor-HS appropriations bill allowing occupational therapy doctoral programs to participate in the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) programs.

S. 2210/HR 4131 - Better Care Better Jobs Act: Support inclusion of improved Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in any infrastructure package, including increased coverage for occupational therapy services under Home and Community Based Services and protection of the habilitation benefit. HR 1868 - A bill to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts and for other purposes: Support for delaying Medicare Sequester and passage of bill. S 1315/HR 3630 - The Lymphedema Treatment At: Support passage. HR 5536 - Stabilizing Medicare Access to Rehabilitation and Therapy (SMART) Act: Advocated for passage HR 2168/S3193 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage. HR 1990/S 2556 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act: Lobbied for changes to the bills to ensure the legislation does not disrupt the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide and bill for orthotics and prosthetics and related services under Medicare. No bill number: advocated for inclusion of language in Senate mental health legislation, directing CMS to put forward guidance clarifying that occupational therapy services can be provided to a person with a mental or behavioral health diagnosis under Medicare and Medicaid. No bill number: advocated for inclusion of language in Senate mental health legislation requiring an occupational therapy evaluation for anyone with dementia who lives in a skilled nursing or long-term care facility, or who is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. HR3173/S3018-Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Support passage. HR 6202 - Telehealth Extension Act: Endorsed S.3593 - Telehealth Extension & Evaluation Act: Endorsed

No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. HR3792-STRONG Support for Children Act: Support HR 7219-GROW SISPS Act: Support passage. HR 6532/S 3544 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support. No bill number: Advocate for National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week of 2022 resolution. March 3, 2022 - Department of Education Meeting with: Katherine Neas - Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS); Valerie Williams - Director, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP); David Cantrell -Deputy Director, OSEP; Daniel Schreier - Policy Specialist, OSEP; and Meghan Whittaker - Special Assistant Topic: Advocated for guidance and help with shortages and the role of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) in schools. March 7, 2022 - White House Domestic Policy Council Meeting with: Kim Knackstedt - Director of Disability Policy. Topic: Advocated for a Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP))week resolution for 2022 and 2023 and for SISP guidance. March 17, 2022 - Dept of Education Meeting with: Valerie Williams - Director, OSEP; David Cantrell - Deputy Director, OSEP; Daniel Schreier - Policy Specialist, OSEP; and Ruth Ryder - Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Topic: Advocated for occupational therapy's role in K-12 schools.

No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in emergency preparedness and response, and for better planning for the needs of people with disabilities before, during and after an emergency. No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. S. 2658 - The Real Emergency Access for Aging & Disability inclusion for Disasters Act: Support passage.

No bill Number: Funding for IDEA Part D - support increased funding. HR 4131/S 2210 - Better Care Better Jobs Act: Support expansion of home and community based services including inclusion of occupational therapy as a required service and protection of the habilitation benefit. S 176 - Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act: Support passage.

No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. No bill number: Support for inclusion of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel in "Grow Your Own" programs. No bill number: Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act - Support.

S. 610 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support introduction and passage. S. 2210/HR 4131-Better Care Better Jobs Act: Advocate for increased use of occupational therapy within Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and protection of the habilitation benefit. No bill - Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) program: discussed possible bill to get occupational therapy doctorate programs recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as mental health provider and eligible for this program. HR 2461/S 1089 - Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study): Support passage HR 3320/S 1679 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Support passage. HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2021: Support passage. No bill number: Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. HR 909/S 484 - Moms Matter Act: Support passage.

none

No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in emergency preparedness and response, and for better planning for the needs of people with disabilities before, during and after an emergency. No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. S. 2658 - The Real Emergency Access for Aging & Disability inclusion for Disasters Act: Support passage.

None

S 176 - Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act: Support passage.

S 176 - Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act: Support passage.

S. 610 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support introduction and passage. S. 2210/HR 4131-Better Care Better Jobs Act: Advocate for increased use of occupational therapy within Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and protection of the habilitation benefit. No bill - Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) program: discussed possible bill to get occupational therapy doctorate programs recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as mental health provider and eligible for this program. HR 2461/S 1089 - Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study): Support passage HR 3320/S 1679 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Support passage. HR 3150/S 1578 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2021: Support passage. No bill number: Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. HR 909/S 484 - Moms Matter Act: Support passage.

No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals. No bill number: Support for inclusion of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel in "Grow Your Own" programs.

S. 2210/HR 4131 - Better Care Better Jobs Act: Support inclusion of improved Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in any infrastructure package, including increased coverage for occupational therapy services under Home and Community Based Services and protection of the habilitation benefit. HR 1868 - A bill to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts and for other purposes: Support for delaying Medicare Sequester and passage of bill. S 1315/HR 3630 - The Lymphedema Treatment At: Support passage. No bill number: Advocated for a rural exemption for upcoming cuts to Medicare Part B payments for occupational therapy assistants and regulatory changes to supervision requirements for therapy assistants in private practice. HR 2168 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage and support introduction of identical legislation in the Senate. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage. No bill number: Advocated for policies to prevent cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2022, including reform of the MPFS. HR 1990/S 2556 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act: Lobbied for changes to the bills to ensure the legislation does not disrupt the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide and bill for orthotics and prosthetics and related services under Medicare.

No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in emergency preparedness and response, and for better planning for the needs of people with disabilities before, during and after an emergency. No Bill # - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy in acute and long-term recovery from the COVID pandemic. S. 2658 - The Real Emergency Access for Aging & Disability inclusion for Disasters Act: Support passage.

None

none

none

S. 2210 - Better Care Better Jobs Act: Support inclusion of improved Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in any infrastructure package, including increased coverage for occupational therapy services under Home and Community Based Services. HR 1868 - A bill to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts and for other purposes: Support for delaying Medicare Sequester and passage of bill. No bill number: Advocated for a rural exemption for upcoming cuts to Medicare Part B payments for occupational therapy assistants and regulatory changes to supervision requirements for therapy assistants in private practice. No bill number: Support legislation to reduce the reductions in Medicare Part B reimbursements scheduled to take effect in January 2022. HR 2168 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage.

None

No bill - Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) Week Resolution: Seeking sponsors and introduction in both House and Senate. H Res 354/S 180: Support the designation of the week of April 26 through April 30, 2021 as 'National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.' No bill: Requested Senators ask a question on early intervention during confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education and Deputy Secretary of Education. No bill - Higher education: Supported strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. H.R. 542 - Save Education Jobs Act: Support passage No bill: Supported occupational therapy's inclusion in trauma informed care in school proposals.

S. 610 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support introduction and passage. S. 2210 Better Care Better Jobs Act: Advocate for increased use of occupational therapy within Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). No bill - Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) program: discussed possible bill to get occupational therapy doctorate programs recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as mental health provider and eligible for this program. HR 2461/S 1089 - Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study): Support passage HR 3320/S 1679 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: Support passage.

none

No bill Number: Support increased funding for Falls programs at the Center for Disease Control and the Administration on Community Living in upcoming appropriations bills. No bill Number: Support a slight increase in funding for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in upcoming appropriations bills. HR 1319 - American Rescue Plan - FY21 Reconciliation package: Advocate for Early Intervention Funding and for IDEA Funding.

S. 610 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support introduction and passage. No bill - Home and Community Based Services (HCBS): Advocate for increased use of occupational therapy within HCBS. No bill - Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) program: discussed possible bill to get occupational therapy doctorate programs recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as mental health provider and eligible for this program.

None

none

HR1319 - American Rescue Plan Act: Support increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services. No bill number: Support inclusion of improved Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in any infrastructure package, including coverage for occupational therapy services under HCBS. HR 1868 - A bill to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts and for other purposes: Support for delaying Medicare Sequester and passage of bill. No bill number: Advocated for a rural exemption for upcoming cuts to Medicare Part B payments for occupational therapy assistants and regulatory changes to supervision requirements for therapy assistants in private practice. No bill number: Support legislation to reduce the reductions in Medicare Part B reimbursements scheduled to take effect in January 2022. HR 2168 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Advocated for passage. S. 368/HR 1332 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocated for passage.

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 3637/S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation. HR 8094 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support.

None

No bill: Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations. HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. No bill: Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 4932/S 2741 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2019: Support expanded coverage for services provided to Medicare patients via telehealth, including occupational therapy and other therapy services. HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act (mental health and Medicaid policy): Support passage S 1754/HR 3215 - The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA): Support passage No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, that support caregivers for people with dementia. No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, to support aging in place. S 1202 - Independence At Home Act: support passage HR 7154 - Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act: Support passage. HR 6634 - Emergency COVID Telehealth Response Act: Support introduction and passage. S. 4375/HR 8727 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Advocate for provisions that would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permanently add occupational therapy practitioners to the Medicare telehealth benefit. Support passage. Support various House and Senate proposals to extend and make permanent the Public Health Emergency provisions that enable occupational therapists to provide services to Medicare patients via telehealth. HR 8755-Expanded Telehealth Access Act: Support passage of bill that would allow occupational therapists and other therapists to provide services to Medicare Part B Patients via telehealth after public health emergency ends. S 4343/HR 8581-Triple A Study Bill: advocate to add occupational therapists to list of providers included in legislation mandating study of amputee healthcare. H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Division CC Section 115: Advocate to permit occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit and complete the comprehensive assessment with respect to certain rehabilitation services for home health agencies under the Medicare Part B program. HR 8702/S. 5007 - Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020; Division CC Section 113 of HR 133-Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; and HR 8505-a bill to provide a one year waiver of budget neutrality under the Medicare physician fee schedule: Advocate for changes to evaluation and management coding redistribution in Revisions to Payment Policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Quality Payment Program and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2021 (CMS-1734-F). No bill: Advocated to pause Medicare sequestration for 2021.

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET).

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: support passage. HR 1878/S. 866 - IDEA Full Funding Bill: support passage Supported having a minimum six month freeze on student loan payment and resetting interest rates to zero during that time either through regulatory action or in H.R. 133-Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. No Bill: Oppose additional IDEA and ESEA Waiver authority for Secretary, and supported increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA in COVID legislation No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services, special education, and general education funding. No bill # - educated and advocated for action on Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) provider shortages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. No bill: Educated staff about the role of occupational therapy professionals in supporting return to school (in person and virtual) during COVID-19.

No bill: Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations. HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. S 518/HR 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for Congressional oversight of new Medicare payment models - PDPM & PDGM. No bill: Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. No bill: Advocated to stop proposed cuts to therapy services in the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule. HR 4932/S 2741 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2019: Support expanded coverage for services provided to Medicare patients via telehealth, including occupational therapy and other therapy services. HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act (mental health and Medicaid policy): Support passage S 1754/HR 3215 - The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA): Support passage No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, that support caregivers for people with dementia. No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, to support aging in place. S 1202 - Independence At Home Act: support passage HR2408 - Ensuring Access to Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019: support passage HR 748, CARES Act: Advocated to include occupational therapy practitioners as eligible Medicare telehealth service providers for both the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency and on a permanent basis. HR 7154 - Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act: Support passage. HR 6634 - Emergency COVID Telehealth Response Act: Support introduction and passage. No bill #: Support for waiving statutory budget neutrality requirements, or exempting certain provider specialties from the application of budget neutrality, for the implementation of new Evaluation and Management Codes in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and inclusion of this waiver in any COVID-19 legislation. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. CMS - Met with CMS to discuss Medicare Part B payment reductions to therapy provider payments proposed in the 2021 physician fee schedule: Participants included Demetrios Kouzoukas, Director of Medicare. S. 4375 - Telehealth Modernization Act: Support , particularly for provisions that would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permanently add occupational therapy practitioners to the Medicare telehealth benefit. Support various House and Senate proposals to extend and make permanent the Public Health Emergency provisions that enable occupational therapists to provide services to Medicare patients via telehealth.

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET).

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Supported expansion to health care providers of Family Medical Leave Benefits included in the bill. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation. HR 8094 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Support.

S.2248 - Heroes Entering Role of Education Services (HEROES) Act: Support passage.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. Supported expansion of telehealth services under ERISA plans.

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: support passage. HR 1878/S. 866 - IDEA Full Funding Bill: support passage Supported having a minimum six month freeze on student loan payment and resetting interest rates to zero during that time either through regulatory action or in HR 748 - CARES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act: Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA. HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Oppose additional IDEA and ESEA Waiver authority for Secretary in HR 748 or future legislation. Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services, special education, and general education funding. No bill # - educated and advocated for action on Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) provider shortages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. No bill: Educated staff about the role of occupational therapy professionals in supporting return to school (in person and virtual) during COVID-19.

None

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. No bill # - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million.

HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. No bill number: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs. HR 2431/S 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. COVID #2 was HR 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act: Supported expanded unemployment benefits, include independent contractors as eligible for unemployment benefits. Supported inclusion of emergency paid sick leave, including independent contractors; opposed exemption of health care workers from these provisions. Supported inclusion of emergency paid family and medical leave, including for independent contractors. COVID #3 was HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Supported expanded unemployment benefits, include independent contractors as eligible for unemployment benefits. Supported inclusion of emergency paid sick leave, including independent contractors; opposed exemption of health care workers from these provisions. Supported inclusion of emergency paid family and medical leave, including for independent contractors. No Bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Advocated for inclusion of healthcare providers in paid sick and family and medical leave benefits passed as part of HR 6201. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. S 2248 - Heroes Entering Role of Education Service (HEROES) Act: Support passage. HR 6800 - Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act - Support inclusion of language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy practitioners in legislation providing COVID-19 Hazard Pay, including HR 6484-Hazard Pay for the Frontlines During Health Emergencies Act and HR 6709-Coronavirus Frontline Workers Fair Pay Act. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. Supported expansion of telehealth services under ERISA plans.

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill # - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million. Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage. No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Supported expansion to health care providers of Family Medical Leave Benefits included in the bill. Supported provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for health care providers, including occupational therapy practitioners in any COVID-19 response legislation.

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: support passage. HR 1878/S. 866 - IDEA Full Funding Bill: support passage Supported having a minimum six month freeze on student loan payment and resetting interest rates to zero during that time either through regulatory action or in HR 748 - CARES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act: Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA. HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Oppose additional IDEA and ESEA Waiver authority for Secretary in HR 748 or future legislation. Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA No bill # - possible COVID 4 bill: Educated and advocated for funding for early intervention services, special education, and general education funding. No bill # - educated and advocated for action on Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) provider shortages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. HR 6720 - Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act: Supported passage and inclusion of similar language allowing student loan forgiveness for frontline health workers in HR 6800, HEROES Act.

No bill number - FY 2021 Labor, HHS, Appropriations: Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill number - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million.

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill # - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million. Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. HR 1109, Mental Health Services for Students Act: Support passage S. 1782 - The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act: support passage HR 4564, Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act: Support passage HR 1767, Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act: Support passage HR 4861 Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act: Support passage HR 4309 Barriers to Suicide Act: Support passage S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage HR 3208/S 1755 - REAADI Act - support passage Asked Congress to address the shortage of personal protective equipment and ensure access to appropriate PPE for healthcare providers - including funding the national strategic stockpile. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage.

No bill: Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations. HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. S 518/HR 1948 - Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for Congressional oversight of new Medicare payment models - PDPM & PDGM. No bill: Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. No bill: Advocated to stop proposed cuts to therapy services in the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule. HR 4932/S 2741 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2019: Support expanded coverage for services provided to Medicare patients via telehealth, including occupational therapy and other therapy services. HR 1329 - Medicaid Reentry Act (mental health and Medicaid policy): Support passage S 1754/HR 3215 - The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA): Support passage No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, that support caregivers for people with dementia. No bill: Support for Medicare payment for evidence-based programs, led by occupational therapists, to support aging in place. HR 1109 - Mental Health Services for Students Act: Support passage HR 4564 - Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act: Support passage HR 1767 - Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act: Support passage HR 4861 - Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act: Support passage HR 4309 - Barriers to Suicide Act: Support passage S 995 - Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage S 1202 - Independence At Home Act: support passage HR2408 - Ensuring Access to Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019: support passage HR 748, CARES Act: Asked that occupational therapy practitioners and other therapy providers be made eligible to provide Medicare telehealth services under emergency waivers. CMS - Met with Gift Tee, Director of the Division of Practitioner Services; Kathy Bryant; and Pam West: Discussed Medicare Part B payment reductions to therapy provider payments proposed for the 2021 physician fee schedule. We discussed proposals that would allow the changes to evaluation and management (E&M) codes to proceed without adversely affecting specialties that do not bill E&M codes. HR 6365/3559 -Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020: Support passage.

No bill number - FY 2021 Labor, HHS, Appropriations: Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. No bill number - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million.

S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage.

No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. No bill # - FY 2021 Department of Defense Appropriations: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million.

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 1109: The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019: support passage. S. 1782 - The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act: support passage. HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act: support passage. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill # - FY 2021 LHHS appropriations: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 3070 - CAPABILITY Act of 2019: advocated to include specialized instruction support personnel in the bill. HR 4674 - College Affordability Act (Higher Education Act reauthorization): support bill and advocated about accreditation, graduate loans, public service loan forgiveness, especially as it relates to occupational therapy. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: support passage. HR 1878/S. 866 - IDEA Full Funding Bill: support passage Supported having a minimum six month freeze on student loan payment and resetting interest rates to zero during that time either through regulatory action or in HR 748 - CARES Act. HR 6201 - Families First Corona Virus Response Act: Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA. HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Oppose additional IDEA and ESEA Waiver authority for Secretary in HR 748 or future legislation. Supported Increased overall funding to IDEA and ESEA

HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020.

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 1109: The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 - support passage. HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. HR 3070 - CAPABILITY Act of 2019: advocated to include specialized instruction support personnel in the bill. HR 4674 - College Affordability Act (Higher Education Act reauthorization): support bill and advocated about accreditation, graduate loans, public service loan forgiveness, especially as it relates to occupational therapy. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: support passage.

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. HR2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020 Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. HR 1109, Mental Health Services for Students Act: Support passage HR 4564, Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act: Support passage HR 1767, Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act: Support passage HR 4861 Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act: Support passage HR 4309 Barriers to Suicide Act: Support passage S 995 Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act: Support passage

HR 3637/S 2747 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of HR 3637, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. S. 2997 - Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019: Advocated for inclusion of language of S 2747, Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act; support passage. Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (no bill number). HR 2431 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (BHWET and MBHET). Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage.

S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage.

HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020.

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. Support for inclusion of occupational therapy in legislation to expand access to non-pharmacological treatments for pain (no bill number). HR2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020 Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage. HR 2781 - EMPOWER for Health Act of 2019: Support passage.

HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage.

No bill number. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. HR 1109: The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 - support passage. HR 3637 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. Advocated for introduction in Senate. HR 2781 - EMPOWER for Health Act of 2019: Support passage. S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage. HR 4107 - Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act: Support passage. HR 2431/S. 2500 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for funding for Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Support Full funding for IDEA and Title I funding. No bill - Title VII of Public Health Service Act Reauthorization: advocate for Senate action to support. Met with Bryan Williams, Unit Chief, Safe & Health Students, OSHS, Dept of Education. Advocated for data collection and Department activity for Title VI A grant program.

S.2248 - HEROES Act: Support passage.

Support for inclusion of occupational therapy in legislation to expand access to non-pharmacological treatments for pain (no bill number). Support inclusion of occupational therapy services via telehealth under Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage and any demonstration programs such as telehealth within accountable care organizations (no bill number). HR 3127/S 1725 - The Home Health Flexibility Act: Support the ability of occupational therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessments for Medicare Home Health cases. S. 518/HR1948: Support for the Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. Support for Congressional efforts to reduce barriers to care coordination in Medicare primary care settings (no bill number). No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. No bill: Advocate to obtain signatures on letter to CMS regarding proposed cuts to therapy services in the Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule.

HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020.

HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage.

HR 2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs. Support for Heart and Lung Research. Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020.

HR 2283/S.1126 - CHANGE Act of 2019: Support expansion of services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia. Support for inclusion of occupational therapy in legislation to expand access to non-pharmacological treatments for pain (no bill number). HR2740 - Labor, HHS, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations and Energy and Water development Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for Heart and Lung Research. HR 2968 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020: Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020 Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number). HR 2431 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage. No bill# - Support for Congressional attention to the issue of falls related injuries and falls prevention. HR 3165/S 1737 - Mental Health Parity Compliance Act: Support passage.

None

S. Res. 181/H. Res 298: Support a non-binding resolution to designate the week of April 8 - April 12 as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. No bill number. HR 1109: The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 - support passage. Met with Laurie VanderPloeg, Director of Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP )and Ruth Ryder, Deputy Assistant Secretary at Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at Department of Education to advocate for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) to be included in any policy changes to special education under the Department of Education's initiative "Rethinking Special Education," and to include members of the National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel and SISP in discussions and development. Highlighted the role of Occupational Therapy in school-wide initiatives and support of students in both general education and special education. HR 3637 - The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2019: Support legislation to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. HR 2781 - EMPOWER for Health Act of 2019: Support passage. HR 2431 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019: Support passage.

None

Support for legislation to expand services for people with Alzheimers and related dementia such as the CHANGE Act in the 115th Congress (no new bill). Support for inclusion of occupational therapy in legislation to expand access to non-pharmacological treatments for pain (no bill number). Support for Heart and Lung Research in the FY 2020 LHHS bill (no bill number). Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020. Support for extension and expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program (no bill number).

Support legislation (no bill number) to help increase the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce. Support funding for Mental Health workforce development programs at HRSA and support continued inclusion of occupational therapy in these programs (no bill number). Support inclusion of occupational therapy in legislation designed to improve the mental or behavioral health workforce (no bill number).

None

Support a non-binding resolution (no bill number) to designate the week of April 8 - April 12 as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. Support for development of a bill similar to last years Keeping All Students Safe Act, designed to reduce the use of seclusion and unnecessary restraint within our nations schools. Support inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel into title 2 of Higher Education Act. No bill number. HR 1109: The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019 - support passage. Met with Laurie VanderPloeg, Director of Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at Department of Education to advocate for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) to be included in any policy changes to special education under the Department of Education's initiative "Rethinking Special Education," and to include members of the National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel and SISP in discussions and development.

Support for Heart and Lung Research in the FY 2020 LHHS bill (no bill number). Support for Increased funding for SAMHSA and HRSA programs in the FY 2020 LHHS bill (no bill number). Support for designating a stand-alone arthritis program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense, funded at $20 million for FY 2020 (no bill number).

No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. HR 2902: IDEA Full Funding Act: Advocated for level funding, passage. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve and expand existing student tuition assistance programs. S. 1370/HR 2913 - Mental Health in Schools: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 620 - ADA Education and Reform Act: Oppose HR 4508 - PROSPER Act: Oppose The elimination of the undergraduate federal student loan subsidy, the arbitrary cap on graduate loans per semester, and lifetime; and the elimination of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Opposed the proposed provision to change the programmatic and institutional accreditation system and advocated for Members to propose an amendment to make technical corrections. Advocated for Resolution for National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. S. 3337: Mental Health Services to Students Act - educated about role of occupational therapy in promoting mental health in the schools and advocated to include occupational therapy in the bill for behavioral health services.

S. 977/HR 3820 and HR 6225: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage . HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (S. 977/HR 3820 now HR 6225), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). No Bill: Discussed how Stark laws affect the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide coordinated care services, particularly as it relates to the management of chronic conditions. S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for role of skilled therapy in changing reimbursement under Medicare Part A and Part B. HR 6 SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (PL 115-271) and various bills on opioids HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. Discussed and examined the effect of changes to reimbursement for occupational therapy assistants included in the Bi-partisan Budget Act, and possibly requesting a report from the GAO. S. 2387/HR 4957 - Concentrating on High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2018: Support

No bill# - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy in a bill promoting health workforce in rural areas. HR 2042 - Access to Frontline Healthcare Act of 2017: Support passage. S. 3796/HR 6897 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2018: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy and educate about role of occupational therapy.

No bill #: Educated about the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 6 SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (PL 115-271) and various bills on opioids HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. No bill: Educate members of occupational therapy's role in general mental health care and trauma informed care. S. 2152 - The Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018: Support especially including services for occupational therapy as covered. HR 6615/S. 3657 - The Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (PL 15-377): Support No bill#: Support for expanding and extending the Excellence in Mental Health Act. S. 3796/HR 6897 - Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2018: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy and educate about role of occupational therapy. S. 2076/HR 4256 - Bold Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (PL 115-406) - Support S. 2387/HR 4957 - Concentrating on High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2018: Support

None.

S. 3158/H.R.6470 - Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019, and HR. 6157 - Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. Advocated for increased FY19 funding for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training and Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training grants, to maintain eligibility for occupational therapy programs in both, and inclusion of specific language to ensure masters and doctoral level occupational therapy programs be included in both grants. Advocated for an increase to the Title IVA block grant and for it to remain a formulary grant in FY19. Advocated for an increase to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in FY19.

None.

No bill: Support robust funding for medical research within National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Oppose administration proposal to move NIDILRR from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to NIH.

S. 977/HR 3820 and HR 6225: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage . HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (S. 977/HR 3820 now HR 6225), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). No Bill: Discussed how Stark laws affect the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide coordinated care services, particularly as it relates to the management of chronic conditions. S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for role of skilled therapy in changing reimbursement under Medicare Part A and Part B. HR 6, HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: (Various Bills on Opioids) Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. Discussed and examined the effect of changes to reimbursement for occupational therapy assistants included in the Bi-partisan Budget Act, and possibly requesting a report from the GAO.

None

No bill #: Educated about the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 6, HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: (Various Bills on Opioids) Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. No bill: Educate members of occupational therapy's role in general mental health care and trauma informed care.

No bill: Support robust funding for medical research within National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Oppose administration proposal to move NIDILRR from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to NIH.

No bill: Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits package included in the Affordable Care Act, and protection of Medicaid and no cuts.

S. 3158 and no bill # in House: Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Advocated to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants program and other Title VII and VIII project workforce programs. Advocated for occupational therapy educational programs to remain eligible for HRSA behavioral health training programs. No bill# - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy in a bill promoting health workforce in rural areas. HR 2042 - Access to Frontline Healthcare Act of 2017: Support passage.

No bill: Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. No bill #: Educated about the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 6, HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: (Various Bills on Opioids) Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. No bill: Educate regarding occupational therapy role with traumatic brain injury. No bill: Educate members of occupational therapy's role in general mental health care and trauma informed care.

No bill: Educated members and staffers on the role occupational therapy plays in regards to PTSD, specifically among returning service members.

S. 977/HR 3820 and HR 6225: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage . HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (S. 977/HR 3820 now HR 6225), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). No Bill: Discussed how Stark laws affect the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to provide coordinated care services, particularly as it relates to the management of chronic conditions. S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. No bill: Advocate for role of skilled therapy in changing reimbursement under Medicare Part A. HR 6, HR 5722, HR 5774, HR 5776, HR 6110, S 3008 and S 3120: (Various Bills on Opioids) Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. Discussed and examined the effect of changes to reimbursement for occupational therapy assistants included in the Bi-partisan Budget Act, and possibly requesting a report from the GAO.

S. 3158 and no bill # in House: Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Advocated to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants program and other Title VII and VIII project workforce programs. Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. Lobbied for increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for FY2019 Appropriations. Advocated for occupational therapy educational programs to remain eligible for HRSA behavioral health training programs.

None

No bill: Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. No bill #: Educated about the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. No bill: Educate Members of Congress about the role of occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological management of pain, and advocate for any legislation that includes studies or funding for these alternatives, includes occupational therapy. No bill: Educate regarding occupational therapy role with traumatic brain injury.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. HR 2902: IDEA Full Funding Act: Advocated for level funding, passage. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve and expand existing student tuition assistance programs. Voucher's - no bill#: Educated members of Congress about occupational therapy concerns related to vouchers, such as protecting students access to special education and related services. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program. S. 1370 - Mental Health in Schools: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 620 - ADA Education and Reform Act: Oppose HR 4508 - PROSPER Act: Oppose The elimination of the undergraduate federal student loan subsidy, the arbitrary cap on graduate loans per semester, and lifetime; and the elimination of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Advocated for Resolution for National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.

S 253/HR 807 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017: Support passage to repeal the Medicare Part B Therapy cap on outpatient rehabilitation, including occupational therapy. S. 977/HR 3820: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (HR 3820), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. HR 1892 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018: support of Medicare Outpatient Part B Therapy Cap Repeal, opposition to home health payment reform treatment of therapy services, and changes to occupational therapy assistant reimbursement for Medicare Part B. HR 1625 - Fiscal 2018 Omnibus Appropriations: opposition to proposed changes to payment for group and concurrent therapy in skilled nursing facilities. No bill: Advocate for role of skilled therapy in changing reimbursement under Medicare Part A.

No bill: Support robust funding for medical research within National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (no bill #): Advocated to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants program and other Title VII and VIII project workforce programs. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program. No bill# - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy in a bill promoting health workforce in rural areas. HR 2042 - Access to Frontline Healthcare Act of 2017: Support passage.

S 253/HR 807 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017: Support passage to repeal the Medicare Part B Therapy cap on outpatient rehabilitation, including occupational therapy. S. 977/HR 3820: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage and introduction in House of Representatives. HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (HR 3820), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. Graham/Cassidy health care bill,no bill# - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. HR 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage and Senate amendments. HR 1 (PL 115-97), Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: advocated against changes to the tax status of tuition assistance programs included in the House bill; advocated for pay-go to be waived concurrent with the passage of the bill.

HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits package included in the Affordable Care Act, and protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Graham/Cassidy health care, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Advocated with Secretary of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services in support of the guarantee that plans sold to individuals and small groups cover rehabilitation and habilitation. HR 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage and Senate amendments.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. HR 2902: IDEA Full Funding Act: Advocated for level funding, passage. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve and expand existing student tuition assistance programs. Voucher's - no bill#: Educated members of Congress about occupational therapy concerns related to vouchers, such as protecting students access to special education and related services. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program. No bill#; Educate members of Congress on importance of Medicaid use in the schools. Written advocacy with Health Resources and Services Administration, Dr. Luis Padilla, Associate Administrator for Health Workforce and Director of the National Health Service Corps; Alexandria Huttinger, Director, Director of Policy and Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Workforce; and Joel Nelson, Acting Director, Division of Nursing and Public Health -- Advocated to be part of the behavioral health training grant program to include not only masters level occupational therapy but doctoral. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. S. 1370 - Mental Health in Schools: Educated about occupational therapy's role. HR 1 (PL 115-97), Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: advocated against changes to the tax status of tuition assistance programs included in the House bill; advocated for pay-go to be waived concurrent with the passage of the bill.

Discussions with National Institutes of Health regarding research funding priorities related to heart disease and stroke and accomplishments of the Institutes and provided cost savings examples for future policy.

HR 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage and Senate amendments.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (no bill #): Advocated to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants program and other Title VII and VIII project workforce programs. HR 1 (PL 115-97), Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: advocated against changes to the tax status of tuition assistance programs included in the House bill; advocated for pay-go to be waived concurrent with the passage of the bill.

S 253/HR 807 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017: Support passage to repeal the Medicare Part B Therapy cap on outpatient rehabilitation, including occupational therapy. S. 977/HR 3820: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - Advocate for passage and introduction in House of Representatives. HR 2550: Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. HR2556: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; S787: A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test the effect of including telehealth services in Medicare health care delivery reform models; HR3360: Telehealth Enhancement Act; HR3482: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act; S1016: Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act; and HR3727: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes. - Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare. No bill# Red Tape Reduction Initiative from Ways and Means Committee: Submitted following priorities for occupational therapy red tape reduction - 1) Initiation of Home Health Therapy Services Under Medicare (HR 3820), 2) Recognition of Occupational Therapy as a Primary Rehab Service (no bill number), 3) Permanently Eliminate Outside Certification Requirement for Occupational Therapists to Fabricate Custom Orthotics and Prosthetic Items (no bill number), 4) Modify or Eliminate Claims-Based Data Collection of Functional Limitation Information for Therapy Services (no bill number), 5) Add Doctor-prescribed Compression Supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment category (S 497/HR 930), and 6) Medicare Opt-out Option (no bill number). HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. Graham/Cassidy health care bill,no bill# - Advocated for mandatory Medicaid benefits such as EPSDT, Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and essential health benefits such as rehab/habilitation and mental health. S. 497/HR 930: Lymphedema Treatment Act - Support passage. HR 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage and Senate amendments.

HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits package included in the Affordable Care Act, and protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Graham/Cassidy health care, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Advocated with Secretary of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services in support of the guarantee that plans sold to individuals and small groups cover rehabilitation and habilitation. HR 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage and Senate amendments.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (no bill #): Advocated to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants program and other Title VII and VIII project workforce programs.

Discussions with National Institutes of Health regarding research funding priorities related to heart disease and stroke and accomplishments of the Institutes and provided cost savings examples for future policy.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. HR 2902: IDEA Full Funding Act: Advocated for level funding, passage. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve the public service student loan forgiveness program. Voucher's - no bill#: Educated members of Congress about occupational therapy concerns related to vouchers, such as protecting students access to special education and related services. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program. No bill#; Educate members of Congress on importance of Medicaid use in the schools. Written advocacy with Health Resources and Services Administration, Dr. Luis Padilla, Associate Administrator for Health Workforce and Director of the National Health Service Corps; Alexandria Huttinger, Director, Director of Policy and Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Workforce; and Joel Nelson, Acting Director, Division of Nursing and Public Health -- Advocated to be part of the behavioral health training grant program to include not only masters level occupational therapy but doctoral. HR 1757 Trauma Informed Care for Children and Families: Educated about occupational therapy's role. S. 1370 - Mental Health in Schools: Educated about occupational therapy's role.

Discussions with National Institutes of Health regarding research funding priorities related to heart disease and stroke and accomplishments of the Institutes and provided cost savings examples for future policy. No bill: Educate and promote inclusion of Occupational Therapy in conducting home safety evaluations and help people age in place.

HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits package included in the Affordable Care Act, and protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Advocated with Secretary of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services in support of the guarantee that plans sold to individuals and small groups cover rehabilitation and habilitation. Tricare - no bill #: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage.

HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Better Care Reconciliation Act, no bill# - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits that are included in the Affordable Care Act, protection of Medicaid and no cuts. No bill #: Educated about the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention. Discussions with National Institutes of Health regarding research funding priorities related to heart disease and stroke and accomplishments of the Institutes and provided cost savings examples for future policy. No bill#: Educate about Occupational Therapists role in conducting home safety evaluations and helping people age in place.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. HR 2902: IDEA Full Funding Act: Advocated for level funding, passage. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve the public service student loan forgiveness program. Voucher's - no bill#: Educated members of Congress about occupational therapy concerns related to vouchers, such as protecting students access to special education and related services. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program. H.Res 265 - Designate the week of April 24, 2017 through April 28, 2017 as National SISP Awareness week. Support passage No bill#; Educate members of Congress on importance of Medicaid use in the schools. Meeting with Health Resources and Services Administration, Dr. Luis Padilla, Associate Administrator for Health Workforce and Director of the National Health Service Corps; Alexandria Huttinger, Director, Director of Policy and Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Workforce; and Joel Nelson, Acting Director, Division of Nursing and Public Health -- Advocated to be part of the behavioral health training grant program to include not only masters level occupational therapy but doctoral.

None

None

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (no bill #): Support an increase in the appropriations for 302(b) allocation. Support an end to sequestration and mandatory budget caps. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program.

HR 1628: American Health Care Act - Advocated for continuation of the Essential Health Benefits package included in the Affordable Care Act, and protection of Medicaid and no cuts. Advocated with Secretary of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services in support of the guarantee that plans sold to individuals and small groups cover rehabilitation and habilitation. Tricare - no bill #: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants under Tricare coverage.

ESSA - No bill #: Promote funding for Title IV A block grant programs in schools, which fund school-wide programs to support healthy students, school climate and access to learning for all students, including highlighting the role of occupational therapists in these areas. Advocating for the prevention of it being turned into a competitive grant, and advocating for the grant to return to being a block grant in FY18. No bill#: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in the school system and from a higher education stand point. IDEA-no bill#: Advocated for level funding. Higher Education Act (HEA)- no bill#: Advocated to keep current programmatic accreditation the same in any HEA reauthorization. Also advocated to preserve the public service student loan forgiveness program. Voucher's - no bill#: Educated members of Congress about occupational therapy concerns related to vouchers, such as protecting students access to special education and related services. Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Grants - no bill#: Advocating to maintain authorization language when appropriating funds and to provide level funding to the program.

S 253/HR 807 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017: Advocating for introduction and passage to repeal the Medicare Part B Therapy cap on outpatient rehabilitation, including occupational therapy. No bill #: Pursuing support for introduction of the Home Health Flexibility Act to allow occupational therapists to open cases in the home. No bill #: Advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy as part of telehealth legislation that would allow for reimbursement of certain telehealth services under Medicare.

None

HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - companion to HR 1761. HR 2378 - Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015: Advocated for passage. S. 2680 - HR 4435 - Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act: Advocated for inclusion Mental Health Reform Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act: Inclusion of H.R. 1761 language in manager's amendment and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan. HR 4435 - Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy as mental health professional under the National Health Service Corps. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH. 21st Century Cures Act (HR 34-became PL 114-255): Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. Inclusion of H.R. 1761 (Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act) language and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program: discussions related to reform of SSDI and importance of occupational therapy services.

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 1631/S 800 - Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH)and inclusion of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (HR 1761)language and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH)and inclusion of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (HR 1761)language and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan. S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. S. 2364/HR6404 - The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: support passage to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting. Seeking introduction of a companion bill in the House of Reps. H.R. 2948 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015: Support passage especially as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. S. 2484/HR 4442 - CONNECT for Health Act: Support occupational therapy provisions. No bill: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services in legislation addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH. HR 3298, Medicare Post-Acute Care Value Based Purchasing Act: Advocated for more focus on function, quality, and long-term outcomes.

HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program: discussions related to reform of SSDI and importance of occupational therapy services.

None

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - companion to HR 1761. HR 2378 - Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015: Advocated for passage. S. 2680 - Mental Health Reform Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act: Inclusion of H.R. 1761 language in manager's amendment and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan. HR 4435 - Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy as mental health professional under the National Health Service Corps. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. S. 2364 - The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: support passage to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting. Seeking introduction of a companion bill in the House of Reps. H.R. 2948 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015: Support passage especially as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. S. 2484/HR 4442 - CONNECT for Health Act: Support occupational therapy provisions. No bill: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services in legislation addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions. HR 5926/S 3040, Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH. HR 3298, Medicare Post-Acute Care Value Based Purchasing Act: Advocated for more focus on function, quality, and long-term outcomes.

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - companion to HR 1761. HR 2378 - Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015: Advocated for passage. S. 2680 - Mental Health Reform Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act: Inclusion of H.R. 1761 language in manager's amendment and inclusion of occupational therapy in the SAMHSA strategic plan. HR 4435 - Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy as mental health professional under the National Health Service Corps.

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

None

HR 1631/S 800 - Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program: discussions related to reform of SSDI and importance of occupational therapy services.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. S. 2364 - The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: support passage to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting. Seeking introduction of a companion bill in the House of Reps. H.R. 2948 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015: Support passage especially as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. S. 2484/HR 4442 - CONNECT for Health Act: Support occupational therapy provisions. No bill: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services in legislation addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions.

DHAPPS1708/DSAPPS1708 (draft bills) Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 1631/S 800 - Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

None

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (companion to HR 1761)- and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. HR 691 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2015: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HR2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis (bill yet to be introduced in Senate) or similar legislation being discussed but not yet introduced. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions such as inclusion under the National Health Services Corp loan program or inclusion in behavioral health workforce training grants. To include these in any comprehensive mental health legislation. S. 1494/HR. 2632 - Children's Recovery From Trauma Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services and support passage. H.Res. 297 - Resolution to designate the first full week of May as "National Mental Health No Stigma Week:" Support passage. No bill: Educate about the role of occupational therapy services in elder falls prevention. No bill: Promote the passage of comprehensive mental health legislation in the House and Senate and include occupational therapy workforce provisions in such bill. S. 1893 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Support passage of bill. S. 2680 - Mental Health Reform Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. S. 1945 - Mental Health Reform Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy as eligible for Mental and Behavioral Health Training grants run by HRSA; and for Sec. 735 allied health training programs to remain in final bill, and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions. HR 4435 - Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy as mental health professional under the National Health Service Corps. No bill: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services in legislation addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program: discussions related to reform of SSDI and importance of occupational therapy services.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 1458 - Bundling and Coordinating Post-Acute Care Act of 2015 (BACPAC Act of 2015): Provide information on occupational therapy's role in bundled payment. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. S. 2364 - The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: support passage to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting. Seeking introduction of a companion bill in the House of Reps. H.R. 2948 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015: Support passage especially as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. S. 2484/HR 4442 - CONNECT for Health Act: Support occupational therapy provisions. No bill: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services in legislation addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions.

DHAPPS1708/DSAPPS1708 (draft bills) Fiscal 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); education; Increase 302B levels, Title VII workforce programs and NIOSH.

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (companion to HR 1761)- and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. HR 691 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2015: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HR2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis (bill yet to be introduced in Senate) or similar legislation being discussed but not yet introduced. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions such as inclusion under the National Health Services Corp loan program or inclusion in behavioral health workforce training grants. To include these in any comprehensive mental health legislation. S. 1494/HR. 2632 - Children's Recovery From Trauma Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services and support passage. H.Res. 297 - Resolution to designate the first full week of May as "National Mental Health No Stigma Week:" Support passage. No bill: Educate about the role of occupational therapy services in elder falls prevention. No bill: Promote the passage of comprehensive mental health legislation in the House and Senate and include occupational therapy workforce provisions in such bill. S. 1893 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Support passage of bill. S. 1945 - Mental Health Reform Act: Promote passage of bill and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions.

S. 1695/H.R. 3020 - Fiscal 2016 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); and education.

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

HR 5/S 1177 and conference report - No Child Left Behind Act Overhaul: Also known as Every Student Succeeds Act: Support use of Title I funds for multi-tiered systems of support, inclusion of a one percent limit on the number of students taking alternative assessments on alternative standards and inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel. Advocate for inclusion of mental health services in final bill. HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - companion to HR 1761-and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. H. Res 183 - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Awareness Week: Support passage. HR 2378 - Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015 - Advocated for passage.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 1458 - Bundling and Coordinating Post-Acute Care Act of 2015 (BACPAC Act of 2015): Provide information on occupational therapy's role in bundled payment. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S.984 - Steve Gleason Act of 2015: Advocated for Passage S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. S. 2364 - The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: support passage to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting. Seeking introduction of a companion bill in the House of Reps. H.R. 2948 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015: Support passage especially as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services.

HR 1631/S 800 - Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

None

S. 1695/H.R. 3020 - Fiscal 2016 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations - Advocated for funding for Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI); Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); Administration for Community Living (ACL); and education.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 2 - Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act: Advocate to include full repeal of the cap on Medicare Part B Outpatient therapy, including occupational therapy. Support for SGR provision. HR 1458 - Bundling and Coordinating Post-Acute Care Act of 2015 (BACPAC Act of 2015): Provide information on occupational therapy's role in bundled payment. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S.984 - Steve Gleason Act of 2015: Advocated for Passage S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy, specifically policies allowing occupational therapists to perform certain home health assessments. No bill: seek introduction of the Home Health Flexibility Act, to allow occupational therapy as an initiating service in Medicare's home health setting.

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (companion to HR 1761)- and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. HR 691 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2015: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HR2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis (bill yet to be introduced in Senate) or similar legislation being discussed but not yet introduced. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions such as inclusion under the National Health Services Corp loan program or inclusion in behavioral health workforce training grants. To include these in any comprehensive mental health legislation. S. 1494/HR. 2632 - Children's Recovery From Trauma Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services and support passage. H.Res. 297 - Resolution to designate the first full week of May as "National Mental Health No Stigma Week:" Support passage. No bill: Educate about the role of occupational therapy services in elder falls prevention. No bill: Promote the passage of comprehensive mental health legislation in the House and Senate and include occupational therapy workforce provisions in such bill. S. 1893 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Support passage of bill. S. 1945 - Mental Health Reform Act: Promote passage of bill and inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program: discussions related to reform of SSDI and importance of occupational therapy services.

None

No bill Number - Senator Alexander's discussion draft to fix No Child Left Behind: advocated for use of Title I funds for multi-tiered systems of support, inclusion of a one percent limit on the number of students taking alternative assessments on alternative standards and inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel through this bill. HR 5/S 1177 - No Child Left Behind Act Overhaul: Also known as Every Child Achieves Act: Support use of Title I funds for multi-tiered systems of support, inclusion of a one percent limit on the number of students taking alternative assessments on alternative standards and inclusion of specialized instructional support personnel. HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - companion to HR 1761-and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. H. Res 183 - National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Awareness Week: Support passage. HR 2378 - Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015 - Advocated for passage.

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Discussed inclusion of OT in the staffing requirements for the Section 223 criteria included in the "Excellence in Mental Health Act."

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (companion to HR 1761)- and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. HR 691 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2015: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Discussed inclusion of OT in the staffing requirements for the Section 223 criteria included in the "Excellence in Mental Health Act." HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HR2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis (bill yet to be introduced in Senate) or similar legislation being discussed but not yet introduced. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy workforce provisions such as inclusion under the National Health Services Corp loan program or inclusion in behavioral health workforce training grants. To include these in any comprehensive mental health legislation. S. 1494/HR. 2632 - Children's Recovery From Trauma Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy services and support passage. H.Res. 297 - Resolution to designate the first full week of May as "National Mental Health No Stigma Week:" Support passage. No bill: Educate about the role of occupational therapy services in elder falls prevention.

HR 775/S 539 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and support passage. HR 1516 - Ensuring Access and Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. HR 1608 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. HR 729 - Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015: Support passage and education about role of occupational therapy services. HR 2 - Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act: Advocate to include full repeal of the cap on Medicare Part B Outpatient therapy, including occupational therapy. Support for SGR provision. HR 1458 - Bundling and Coordinating Post-Acute Care Act of 2015 (BACPAC Act of 2015): Provide information on occupational therapy's role in bundled payment. HR 6 - 21st Century Cures Act: Advocated to improve research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). S.984 - Steve Gleason Act of 2015: Advocated for Passage S. 313 - Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy.

HR 1761 - Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. Advocate in the Senate for introduction of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (companion to HR 1761)- and as part of any larger mental health bill that should be introduced. HR 691 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2015: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Discussed inclusion of OT in the staffing requirements for the Section 223 criteria included in the "Excellence in Mental Health Act."

HR 1707 - Access to Frontline Health Care: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Discussed inclusion of OT in the staffing requirements for the Section 223 criteria included in the "Excellence in Mental Health Act."

None

HR 1631/S 800 - Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage.

None

HR 203/S 167 - Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act: Support overall bill, including provisions to encourage veteran's to achieve degrees in mental health fields, including occupational therapy. (Became PL 114-2)

S 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: Advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage. HR 942/S 948 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of complex rehabilitation technology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. HR 2810 - The Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013: Advocated regarding sustainable growth rate and educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure that patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill# - Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR): Advocate the separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in application of MPPR policy. No bill# - Manual Medicare Review (MMR: Advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn around. S 1871/S 2110 - the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2013 AND HR 4015/S 2000 - SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider payment Modernization Act of 2014: Advocated for improvements to the bills that address policies that pertain to beneficiaries' access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. Advocate for repeal of the Medicare Part B outpatient therapy cap on occupational therapy services. HR 3749 - The Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act: Support for greater attention to low vision coverage and highlight role of occupational therapy in ensuring the devices are utilized properly and to their full potential. S 1932/HR 3890 - Better Care, Lower Cost Act: Educate about role of occupational therapy in helping people with chronic conditions. Support including occupational therapy in the chronic care innovation centers. HR 4994/S 2553 0 The Improving Medicare post-Acute Care transformation Act of 2014 "IMPACT Act of 2014": Advocated for improvements in the bill that would help ensure Medicare beneficiaries' access to quality post-acute care in the right setting is preserved. Advocated to ensure data collection program includes elements that reflect the contributions of occupational therapy across the various post-acute settings. HR 5380 - Medicare Telehealth Parity Act: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapy services. HR 3306 - The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2013: educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 3877 - Lymphedema Treatment Act: Support passage and educate about role of occupational therapy services. No. bill# (PL 113-93) - Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy in the Excellence in Mental Health Act's Medicaid Demonstration by encouraging Members of Congress to send a letter of support to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. HR 5547/S 2515 - Community Integration Act: Discussed Act's aims to strengthen Medicaid beneficiaries' opportunities to receive home and community-based services. Met with staff from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including Dr. Marcia Brand, HRSA Deputy Administrator, along with other representatives of allied health professionals, to discuss recent restructuring of HRSA that appears to deemphasize allied health professions and lack of funding for allied health training programs. Also discussed the need to clearly define "allied health professionals" both for existing policies and new programs being developed at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation; and the role of allied health professionals in the changing health care landscape.

HR1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. No bill# - FY2015 Labor, HHS, Appropriations bill: Support funding Title VII health workforce and Title VIII nurses training programs; support funding for elder falls prevention programs; support increase for Title I education funding and increase for IDEA funding; and oppose President's budget request that would give money for Results Driven Accountability as a competitive grant. General support for the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH and the importance of supporting rehabilitation research. Support for falls prevention funding through the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF). General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health resources and Services Administration and National Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. S 1026 - Return to Work Act - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work. Support passage. HR 803 - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Support passage. Met with staff from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including Dr. Marcia Brand, HRSA Deputy Administrator, along with other representatives of allied health professionals, to discuss recent restructuring of HRSA that appears to deemphasize allied health professions and lack of funding for allied health training programs. Also discussed the need to clearly define "allied health professionals" both for existing policies and new programs being developed at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation; and the role of allied health professionals in the changing health care landscape.

HR 1037/S 1815 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. S 2036/HR 1893 - Keeping all Students Safe Act: Support. Lobbied regarding the role of occupational therapy in promoting a positive school climate and limiting the need for use of restraint/seclusion.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities. HR 4841/S 2450 - Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, an Transparency Act of 2014: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapist in additional VA staffing increases called for in the bill. HR 5059/S 2930 - Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act: Expressed support of overall bill, including provisions to encourage veteran's to achieve degrees in mental health fields, including occupational therapy.

HHS-Administration for Community Living: Vikki Gottlich, Director of the Center for Policy and Evaluation - discussed rehabilitation/habilitation benefit as it relates to ACA qualified health plans. White House, Executive Office of the President: Christen Linke Young, Advisor, Domestic Policy Council - discussed rehabilitation/habilitation benefit as it relates to ACA qualified health plans. HR 647/S 313 - Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act): supported goal of legislation to amend tax treatment of ABLE accounts established for the care of family members with disabilities, but advocated against payfors utilized to offset the legislation.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities. HR 4841/S 2450 - Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapists in additional VA staffing increases called for in the bill.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. S. 1026 - Return to Work Act - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work: Support passage. HR 803 - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Support passage. HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. Met with Becky Spitzgo, Associate Administrator, Bureau of Health Professions (BHP), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to discuss issues of importance to health professionals including Title VII training funds and loan forgiveness programs under the Public Health Services Act, with specific emphasis on occupational therapy.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization At of 2013: Support passage No bill# - FY 2015 Labor, HHS Appropriations bill: Support funding Title VII health workforce and Title VIII nurses training programs; support funding for elder falls prevention programs; support increase for Title I education funding and increase for IDEA funding; and oppose President's budget request that would give money for Results Driven Accountability as a competitive grant. General support for the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH and the importance of supporting rehabilitation research. Support for falls prevention funding through the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF). General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resources and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation Research.

HR1037/S 1815 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: Advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Services Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. HR 1236 - a bill to require inclusion of behavioral health professions on any physical evaluation board that considers issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health conditions: Support passage. HR 3717/S1517 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy services and including provisions of the Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act (HR 1037/S 1815). HR 3306 - The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 3750 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 4631/S 2449 - Combatting Autism Reauthorization Act/Autism CARES: Supported reauthorization before provisions expired. HR 4574 - Strengthening Mental Health in our Communities Act: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy services and including provisions of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (HR 1037/S 1815). HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for occupational therapy practitioners practicing in shortage areas. No bill#: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Support Senate ratification of the convention.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. S. 1027 - Rehabilitation Research Improvement Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage. HR 4631/S 2449 - Combatting Autism Reauthorization Act/Autism CARES Act: Supported reauthorization of provisions before they expired. (Became PL 113-151) Meeting with Director of NIH, Dr. Frances Collins; Director of NICHD, Dr. Allen Guttmacher; Director Office of Legislation and Public Policy, Lisa Kaeser: Discussed enhancing the stature of NCMRR and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation research and the role of occupational therapy. Meeting with Dept. of Education Director of NIDRR, John Tschida: Discussed the important role of NIDRR in rehabilitation science and transition from Department of Education to Dept. of Health and Human Services, and importance of occupational therapy research.

HR 1037/S 1815 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. S 2036/HR1893 - Keeping All Students Safe Act: Support. Lobbied regarding the role of occupational therapy in promoting a positive school climate and limiting the need for use of restraint/seclusion.

none

HR 1037/S 1815 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.HR 1236 - a bill to require inclusion of behavioral health professions on any physical evaluation board that considers issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health conditions: support passage. HR 3717 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy services including provisions in OT in Mental Health Act (HR 1037/S 1815). HR 3306 - The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 3750 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 4631 - Autism CARES: Supported reauthorization before provisions sunset. HR 4574 - Strengthening Mental Health in our Communities Act: advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy services, including provisions of the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (HR 1037/S 1815). No bill#: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Support Senate ratification of the convention. HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Act: support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for OT practitioners practicing in shortage areas.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.HR 3547/S.1284 - FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill: General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resoures and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; increased funding for Title I and IDEA education programs; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research. Support language in S. 1284 related to mental health programs including for 5% incrase for State Mental Health block grant, setaside for early psychosis programs. Support level of funding in S. 1284 for training mental health workforce and advocated to have occupational therapy listed as a mental health profession eligible for these funds. No bill # - FY 2015 Labor, HHS Appropriations bill: Support funding Title VII health workforce and Title VIII nurses training programs; support funding for elder falls prevention programs; support increase for Title I education funding and increase for IDEA funding; and oppose President's budget request that would give money for Results Driven Accountability as a competitive grant. General support for the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH and the importance of supporting rehabilitation research. Support for falls prevention funding through the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF).

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. S. 1027 - Rehabilitation Research Improvement Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage.No bill#: Supported reauthorization of the Combating Autism Act before it expires in September. HR 4631 - Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES): support passage of provisions before they expire. Meeting with Director of NIH, Dr. Frances Collins; Director of NICHD, Dr. Allen Guttmacher; Director Office of Legislation and Public Policy, Lisa Kaeser: Discussed enhancing the stature of NCMRR and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation research and also the role of occupational therapy. Meeting with Dept. of Education Director of NIDRR, John Tschida: discussed the important role of NIDRR in rehabilitation science and transition from Department of Education to Dept. of Health and Human Services, and importance of occupational therapy research.

S. 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills.HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of Complex Rehabilitation Tecnology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. H.R. 2810 - The Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013: Sustainable growth rate - Educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure that patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill#--Multiple Procedure Payment Reducation (MPPR): advocate for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill#--Manual Medical Review (MMR): advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn-around. S. 1871 - The SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improement Act of 2013: Advocate for improvements to the bill that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. S. 1932/HR 3890 - Better Care, Lower Cost Act: Educate about role of occupational therapy in helping people with chronic conditions. Support including occupational therapy in the chronic care innovation centers. No bill #: The Improving Medicare Post-Actue Care Transformation Act of 2014 "IMPACT Act of 2014": Advocated for improvements in the bill that would help ensure Medicare beneficiaries access to quality post-acute care in the right setting is preserved. Advocated to ensure data collection program included elements that reflected the contributions of occupational therapy across the various post acute settings. H.R. 4015/S. 2000 - SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 AND S. 2110, Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Imrpovement Act of 2014: Advocated for improvements to the bills that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. Advocated for repeal of the Medicare Part B outpatient therapy cap on occupational therapy services. HR 3749: The Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act: Support for greater attention to low vision coverage and highlight the role of occupational thearpy in ensuring the devices are utilized properly and to their full potential.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.S. 1026 - Return to Work Act - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work: support passage. HR 803 - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Support passage. HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Act: support passage of bill including loan forgiveness for OT practitioners practicing in shortage areas. Met with Becky Spitzgo, Associate Administrator, Bureau of Health Professions (BHPf), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to discuss issues of importance to health professionals including Title VII training funds and loan forgiveness programs under the Public Health Services Act, with specific emphasis on occupational therapy.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.HR 3547/S.1284 - FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill: General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resoures and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; increased funding for Title I and IDEA education programs; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research. Support language in S. 1284 related to mental health programs including for 5% incrase for State Mental Health block grant, setaside for early psychosis programs. Support level of funding in S. 1284 for training mental health workforce and advocated to have occupational therapy listed as a mental health profession eligible for these funds. No bill # - FY 2015 Appropriations bill: Support funding Title VII health workforce and Title VIII nurses training programs; support funding for elder falls prevention programs; support increase for Title I education funding and increase for IDEA funding; and oppose President's budget request that would give money for Results Driven Accountability as a block grant.

S. 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills.HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of Complex Rehabilitation Tecnology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. H.R. 2810 - The Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013: Sustainable growth rate - Educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure that patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill#--Multiple Procedure Payment Reducation (MPPR): advocate for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill#--Manual Medical Review (MMR): advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn-around. S. 1871 - The SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improement Act of 2013: Advocate for improvements to the bill that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. S. 1932/HR 3890 - Better Care, Lower Cost Act: Educate about role of occupational therapy in helping people with chronic conditions. Support including occupational therapy in the chronic care innovation centers. No bill #: The Improving Medicare Post-Actue Care Transformation Act of 2014 "IMPACT Act of 2014": Advocated for improvements in the bill that would help ensure Medicare beneficiaries access to quality post-acute care in the right setting is preserved. Advocated to ensure data collection program included elements that reflected the contributions of occupational therapy across the various post acute settings. H.R. 4015/S. 2000 - SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 AND S. 2110, Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Imrpovement Act of 2014: Advocated for improvements to the bills that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. Advocated for repeal of the Medicare Part B outpatient therapy cap on occupational therapy services. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014: Advocated for improvements to the bills that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program. Advocated for continuation of the exceptions process for occuaptional therapy services under Medicare Part B outpatient therapy.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.

none

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. S. 1027 - Rehabilitation Research Improvement Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage.No bill#: Supported reauthorization of the Combating Autism Act before it expires in September.

HR 1037/S. 1815- Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals.S. 2020 - Keeping All Students Safe Act: Support. Lobbied regarding the role of occupational therapy in promoting a positive school climate and limiting the need for the use of restraint/seclusion.

S. 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills.HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of Complex Rehabilitation Tecnology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. H.R. 2810 - The Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013: Sustainable growth rate - Educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure that patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill#--Multiple Procedure Payment Reducation (MPPR): advocate for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill#--Manual Medical Review (MMR): advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn-around. S. 1871 - The SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improement Act of 2013: Advocate for improvements to the bill that address policies that pertain to beneficiary access to occupational therapy services and how occupational therapy services are reimbursed under the Medicare program.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.No bill #: To amend title 10, US Code to modify the Apointment and Grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corp. - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps S. 1026 - Return to Work Act - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work: support passage.

HR 1037/S 1815 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.S. 689 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapists in the National Health Servaice Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals and for defining occupational therapy under "qualified mental health professional." HR 1236 - a bill to require inclusion of behavioral health professions on any physical evaluation board that considers issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health conditions: support passage. Advocated with Paolo del Vecchio, Director, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to make occupational therapists eligible for pediatric mental health workforce training money included in the Affordable Care Act, under the qualifying category of behavioral pediatrics; and to include occupational therapy as a service in the First Episode Psychosis programs. HR 3717 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013. Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy services including provisions in OT in Mental Health Act (HR 1037/S 1815). HR 3306 - The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth. HR 3750 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2013: Educate about how occupational therapy can be utilized in telehealth.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.

none

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. No bill# - General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resoures and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research.No bill: appropriations bill - advocate to have occupational therapy listed as mental health profession and included in the funds being directed towards training new mental health professionals. Support funding President's budget request for training mental health workforce.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.No bill #: To amend title 10, US Code to modify the Apointment and Grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corp. - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps S. 1026 - Return to Work Act - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work: support passage.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. S. 1027 - Rehabilitation Research Improvement Act: Advocate to improve coordination and enhance rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health. Support passage.

none

HR 1037 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.S. 689 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapists in the National Health Servaice Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals and for defining occupational therapy under "qualified mental health professional." HR 1236 - a bill to require inclusion of behavioral health professions on any physical evaluation board that considers issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health conditions: support passage. Advocated with Paolo del Vecchio, Director, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to make occupational therapists eligible for pediatric mental health workforce training money included in the Affordable Care Act, under the qualifying category of behavioral pediatrics; and to include occupational therapy as a service in the First Episode Psychosis programs.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.

S. 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills.HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of Complex Rehabilitation Tecnology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. No bill#-- Sustainable Growth Rate: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill#--Multiple Procedure Payment Reducation (MPPR): advocate for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill#--Manual Medical Review (MMR): advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn-around.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate ofr passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.No bill #: To amend title 10, US Code to modify the Apointment and Grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corp. - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps S. 1026 - A bill to assist survivors of stroke in returning to work: support passage.

No bill# - Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. S. 1027 - Improve rehabilitation research at NIH: Support passage

none

HR 1098 - Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. No bill# - General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resoures and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research.No bill: appropriations bill - advocate to have occupational therapy listed as mental health profession and included in the funds being directed towards training new mental health professionals. Support funding President's budget request for training mental health workforce.

HR 1098 - Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage. No bill# - General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resoures and Services Administration and Natl. Institutes of Health, funding for education & training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research.

HR 702 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2013: Advocate ofr passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for two years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.No bill #: To amend title 10, US Code to modify the Apointment and Grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corp. - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps

HR 1037 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Act: advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the Natl. Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 1098 - Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2013: Support passage.S. 689 - Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapists in the National Health Servaice Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals and for defining occupational therapy under "qualified mental health professional."

S. 367/HR 713 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act: advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills.HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013: Advocate for inclusion of occupational therapy professionals as providers of Complex Rehabilitation Tecnology. No bill# - Educate about role of occupational therapy in primary care. No bill#-- Sustainable Growth Rate: Educate about the role of occupational therapy in health care and need for improving Medicare to assure patients receive appropriate care, especially occupational therapy services, and that payment is fair and equitable. No bill#--Multiple Procedure Payment Reducation (MPPR): advocate for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill#--Manual Medical Review (MMR): advocate for improved MMR procedures including electronic submission and 10 day turn-around.

No bill#: Funding for older adults falls prevention under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and within the Prevention and Public Health Fund authorized in the Affordable Care Act. No bill#: General support of health and mental health programs funding, including funding for Health Resources and Services Administration and National Institutes of Health, funding for education and training for occupational therapy; and funding for disability and rehabilitation research. HR 4310 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 - Advocated for elevation of the Army Chief of the Medical Specialist Corp, (S786) and for inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service in service members' telemedicine and e-health portability (HR1832)

No bill: Advocated regarding the benefits package for exchange health plans. Promoted coverage of occupational therapy and for broad definition of habilitation. No Bill: Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy as a mental health profession in the National Health Services Corps. S. 850 - Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act, and S1132/HR 2007 - Autism Specturm Disorders Services Act of 2011 -- Advocate for mandatory coverage of occupational therapy services and educate about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. No bill #s-developing legislation on autism: Advocate for mandatory coverage of occupational therapy services and educate about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. S.786: To amend title 10, US Code to modify the Apointment and Grade of the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corp. - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps. No bill #: Educate members about role of occupational therapy in the effective provision of telehealth services. No bill: Advocated with Dept of Health and Human Services and Center for Disease Control regarding role of occupational therapy in fall and injury prevention. HR 3762: Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act - advocate passage to make occupational therapists eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program as behavioral and mental health professionals. HR 2600: National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan Act of 2011 - Support passage. No bill #: UN Convention on Rights for People with Disabilities - advocate for Senate to ratify.

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder

Medicare and Medicaid as it relates to rehabilition services, especially occupational therapy; funding for research and training for health care issues; special education and related services; higher education training; health issues such as autism, traumatic brain injury, mental health, aging; health care reform; insurance coverage of rehabilitation services; occupational therapy employment issues; research on specific health issues such as alzheimer's, autism, tbi; veterans issues such as post traumatic stress disorder