CHRISTINA METZLER

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

S.829/H.R. 1546: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills. No bill: Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics. H.R. 2468: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill#: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - oppose cuts to therapy services and advocate to identify alternative payment options for therapy services. H.R. 2499:Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act. Lymphedema treatment for Medicare beneficiaries - advocate for role of occupational therapy in lymphedema treatment under Medicare and support passage.. No bill #: Suport proposal for legislation to create new complex rehabilitation device benefit. Promote role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2785: Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act - oppose. H.R. 8: American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 - advocated for extension of Medicare therapy caps exceptions process; separation of therapies under MPPR and oppose the signicant decrease in payment; and oppose fee schedule cuts to therapy.

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.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. Conducted a widely attended briefing to educate on the role of rehabilitation and occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech language pathology for wounded warriors.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

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. H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

No bill #: Advocate for disability and rehabilitation prioirities of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, espcially regarding comparative effectiveness research. Advocate for elevation of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research within the National Institutes of Health. HR 2600: National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan Act of 2011 - Support passage. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) - Advocated for increased capacity building for Institute related reserch. Met with Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D.,-- Director of NICHD and Michael Weinrich, MDDirector of NCMRR.

S.829/H.R. 1546: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills. No bill: Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics. H.R. 2468: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill#: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - oppose cuts to therapy services and advocate to identify alternative payment options for therapy services. H.R. 2499:Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act. Lymphedema treatment for Medicare beneficiaries - advocate for role of occupational therapy in lymphedema treatment under Medicare and support passage.. No bill #: Suport proposal for legislation to create new complex rehabilitation device benefit. Promote role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2785: Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act - oppose.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

No bill: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. 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. 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. 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 #: Advocate for disability and rehabilitation prioirities of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, espcially regarding comparative effectiveness research. Advocate for elevation of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research within the National Institutes of Health. HR 2600: National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan Act of 2011 - Support passage. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) - Advocated for increased capacity building for Institute related reserch. Met with Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D.,-- Director of NICHD and Michael Weinrich, MDDirector of NCMRR.

S.829/H.R. 1546: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills. No bill: Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics. H.R. 2468: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill#: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - oppose cuts to therapy services and advocate to identify alternative payment options for therapy services. H.R. 2499:Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act. Lymphedema treatment for Medicare beneficiaries - advocate for role of occupational therapy in lymphedema treatment under Medicare and support passage.. No bill #: Suport proposal for legislation to create new complex rehabilitation device benefit. Promote role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2785: Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act - oppose. H.R. 3630 (PL 112-96)- Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 - Medicare therapy cap provisions and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule SGR (sustainable growth revenue).

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

No bill: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

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. H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. 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. 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.

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. H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

S.829/H.R. 1546: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills. No bill: Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics. H.R. 2468: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill#: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - oppose cuts to therapy services and advocate to identify alternative payment options for therapy services. H.R. 2499:Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act. Lymphedema treatment for Medicare beneficiaries - advocate for role of occupational therapy in lymphedema treatment under Medicare and support passage.. No bill #: Suport proposal for legislation to create new complex rehabilitation device benefit. Promote role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2785: Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act - oppose. H.R. 3630 (PL 112-96)- Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 - Medicare therapy cap provisions and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule SGR (sustainable growth revenue).

No bill: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. S.1867/HR 1540: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Support of Educational Assistance for advanced degrees for occupational therapy under the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.

No bill: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

S. 786 - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages. S.1867/HR 1540: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Support of Educational Assistance for advanced degrees for occupational therapy under the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.

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: 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. No bill # - 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 #: Advocate for legislative proposal to recognize occupational therapy as a core mental health profession in federal law. 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.

No bill #: Advocate for disability and rehabilitation prioirities of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, espcially regarding comparative effectiveness research. Advocate for elevation of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research within the National Institutes of Health.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. Provided information to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction highlighting need to address Medicare extenders, particularly the Medicare Part B Therapy Caps. 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. 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. S.1867/HR1540: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Support of Educational Assistance for advanced degrees for occupational therapy under the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.

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 theapy as a mental health profession in the National Health Services Corps. S. 1094/H.R. 2005 (PL 112-32) - Combating Autism Reauthorization Act: Advocate for mandatory coverage of occupational therapy services and educate about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. S. 850 - Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act: 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. No bill # - 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 #: Advocate for legislative proposal to recognize occupational therapy as a core mental health profession in federal law. 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.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. Provided information to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction highlighting need to address Medicare extenders, particularly the Medicare Part B Therapy Caps. 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.

No bill #: Advocate for disability and rehabilitation prioirities of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, espcially regarding comparative effectiveness research. Advocate for elevation of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research within the National Institutes of Health.

S.829/H.R. 1546: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011 - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services and passage of bills. No bill: Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics. H.R. 2468: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill#: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - oppose cuts to therapy services and advocate to identify alternative payment options for therapy services. H.R. 2499:Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act. Lymphedema treatment for Medicare beneficiaries - advocate for role of occupational therapy in lymphedema treatment under Medicare and support passage.. No bill #: Suport proposal for legislation to create new complex rehabilitation device benefit. Promote role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2785: Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act - oppose.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

No bill # - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

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 theapy as a mental health profession in the National Health Services Corps. S. 1094/H.R. 2005 - Combating Autism Reauthorization Act: Advocate for mandatory coverage of occupational therapy services and educate about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. S. 850 - Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act: 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. No bill # - 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 #: Advocate for legislative proposal to recognize occupational therapy as a core mental health profession in federal law.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. 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.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

No bill #: Educate Congress regarding occupational therapy's role working with soldiers coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues to maximize their functional performance and fully reintegrate into their lives at home and in their communities.. S. 957, H.R. 1855: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2011 - educate about the important role of occupational therapy in treating these conditions and helping our wounded warriors maximize their functional reintegration into their lives, homes, and communities. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage. H.R. 1832: Service Members' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 - educate about occupational therapy's role in the effective provision of telehealth serivces. Inclusion of occupational therapy as a covered service, and passage.

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 theapy as a mental health profession in the National Health Services Corps. S. 1094/H.R. 2005 - Combating Autism Reauthorization Act: Advocate for mandatory coverage of occupational therapy services and educate about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. S. 850 - Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act: 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. No bill # - 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 #: Advocate for legislative proposal to recognize occupational therapy as a core mental health profession in federal law.

No bill # - Advocate to elevate the Chief of the Medical Specialist Corps to the rank of Brigadier (1 star) General under the Army Medical Specialist Corps H.R. 531 - Access to Frontline Health Act: Advocate for passage to provide loan repayments to occupational therapists in exchange for providing services for 2 years in designated scarcity area and to address health care workforce shortages.

No bill: Advocated for coverage of occupational therapy under the required rehabilitation, habilitation and devices category of exchange plans. PL 111-148 - Affordable Care Act: Advocate for occupational therapy coverage under employer based insurance plans; relay concerns about inadequate survey and resulting plan done by Dept of Labor for part on therapy services. Advocate for inclusion f occupational therapy coerage in essential benefits package and for appropriate structure of Accountable Care Organizations, and payment reform.

No bill #: Advocate for disability and rehabilitation prioirities of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, espcially regarding comparative effectiveness research. Advocate for elevation of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research within the National Institutes of Health.

S.868/H.R. 1683: State Flexibility Act - opposed elimination of the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort provisions in ARRA & ACA.. 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.

No bill#: Medicare Part B Therapy Cap - advocate for removal of cap on occupational therapy services. No bill#: Medicare home health benefit - advocate for making occupational therapy an initiating service. No bill: MPPR - advocated for separation of occupational therapy from physical therapy/speech language pathology in applicaiton of MPPR policy. No bill: Advocated for exclusion of occuaptional therapy from any additional accreditation requirements for provision of orthotics/prosthetics.

No bill#: Support of occupational therapy and early intervening funds included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

NONE

No bill #: Funding of Higher Education Loan Forgiveness for Occupational Therapists working with Children and or veterans. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. S. 3686 and Draft Bills DHAPPS1108 and DSAPPs1108 - Fiscal 2011 Labor, HHS & Education Appropriations: Lobby for report language to make occupational therapy an initiating service for Medicare Home Health beneficiaries. Lobbied for increased funding for all of the following programs: National Institute of Health (NIH); National Center on Medical and Rehabilitation Research, The Centers for Disease Controls Falls Prevention Program and older driver initiative; the Health Resources Services Administration; The Administration on Aging; the Older Americans Act (OAA); The Veterans Administration (VA); The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA); The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH); The Department of Education - for funding; funding for professions of national need under the Hihger Education act; and Title VII of the Public Health Services Act.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 4247 - Keeping All Students Safe Act and S2860 - Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act: Support passage. No Bill # - Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind Act): Educate about role and potential for occupational therapy services in schools.

None

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. S 1963 - Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy services. HR 1036 - Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009: Educated about the role and impact of occupational therapy services. HR 1558 - Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009: Advocated for passage. S Res 490 - A resolution recognizing the measurable, positive impact that the National Committee for Quality Assurance has made on the quality of care patients in the United States have received during the 20 years since the formation of the organization: Advocated for passage. HR 5025 -HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: Educated about occuaptional therapy services. HR 4944 - Siding with America's Patients (SWAP) Act - Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4919, HR 4903 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 4910 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and enact the Empowering Patients First Act in order to provide incentives to encourage health insurance coverage: Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4894 -- A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ot ensure appropriate treatment of Department of Veterans' Affairs and Department of Defense heatlh programs: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 678 - Huntington's Disease Parity Act: Advocated for passage PL 111-148 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - promoted role and access to occupational therapy.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 4662 - Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010: Oppose provisions requiring additional accreditation for occupational therapy services. H Res 1258 - A resolution expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month: Advocated passage. H Res 1033 - A resolution expressing support for designation of April 2010 as "National Autism Awareness Month":and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism: Advocated for passage and educated about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 5025 -HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: Educated about occuaptional therapy services. HR 678 - Huntington's Disease Parity Act: Advocated for passage.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 4662 - Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010: Oppose provisions requiring additional accreditation for occupational therapy services. H Res 1258 - A resolution expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month: Advocated passage. H Res 1033 - A resolution expressing support for designation of April 2010 as "National Autism Awareness Month":and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism: Advocated for passage and educated about role of occupational therapy in treatment of autism. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 5025 -HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: Educated about occuaptional therapy services. HR 678 - Huntington's Disease Parity Act: Advocated for passage.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 4247 - Keeping All Students Safe Act and S2860 - Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act: Support passage. No Bill # - Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind Act): Educate about role and potential for occupational therapy services in schools.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. S 1963 - Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy services. HR 1036 - Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009: Educated about the role and impact of occupational therapy services. HR 1558 - Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009: Advocated for passage. S Res 490 - A resolution recognizing the measurable, positive impact that the National Committee for Quality Assurance has made on the quality of care patients in the United States have received during the 20 years since the formation of the organization: Advocated for passage. HR 5025 -HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: Educated about occuaptional therapy services. HR 4944 - Siding with America's Patients (SWAP) Act - Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4919, HR 4903 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 4910 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and enact the Empowering Patients First Act in order to provide incentives to encourage health insurance coverage: Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4894 -- A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ot ensure appropriate treatment of Department of Veterans' Affairs and Department of Defense heatlh programs: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 678 - Huntington's Disease Parity Act: Advocated for passage

No bill #: Educate members and staff about occupational therapy research.

H.R. 43 and S. 46 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitative Services Act of 2009: Support and passage of all provisions, lobbying for the repeal of the provisions of the 1997 Balance Budget Act which imposed a $1840 annual cap on occupational therapy services covered by Medicare. HR 1094 - Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2009: All provisions, passage, lobbying for changes to current regulations governing the provision of home health services under Medicare Part B to allow Occupational Therapy to qualify as an initiating service. HR 1137 - Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009: lobbying against specific provisions in the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare as a therapy service incident to a physicians order. HR 2479 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2009: Oppose. Negatively impacts occupational therapy scope of practice. HR 2068 - Medicare Telehealth Expansion Act of 2009: Advocate for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. S 1131/HR 2560 - Independence at Home Act of 2009: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. HR 1829/S 950 - Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009: advocate for changing the bill to include occupational therapy. HR 3184/S 1186 - Medicare Independent Living Act: Advocate for passage No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. Advocated for passage of short and long-term solutions to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payment cuts spurred by the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. No Bill #: Advocate for extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions process. HR 3790 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) in a budget neutral manner: educated and advocated on impact on occupational therapy services. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 1708 - Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009: Advocated for passage. HR 4993 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2010: Advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. S 3216 - Medicare Rural Health Care Equity Act of 2010: Advocated for passage. HR 4371 - A bill to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to continue using 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services: Advocated regarding impact to occupational therapy services. No bill: Advocate to Congress and Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) to oppose proposed Medicare Physician Payment Reductions, cuts to therapy reimbursement in the proposed 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule. CMS staff: Marilyn Tavenner, Principal Deputy Administrator and Johnathan Bluhm, Director of Center for Medicare Management HR 1586 - Education and Medicaid Funding for States: Supported passage.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 4247 - Keeping All Students Safe Act and S2860 - Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act: Support passage. No Bill # - Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind Act): Educate about role and potential for occupational therapy services in schools. HR 4872 (PL 111-152) - Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act: advocated for loan forgiveness for Occupational Therapy.

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revision of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

H.R. 43 and S. 46 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitative Services Act of 2009: Support and passage of all provisions, lobbying for the repeal of the provisions of the 1997 Balance Budget Act which imposed a $1840 annual cap on occupational therapy services covered by Medicare. HR 1094 - Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2009: All provisions, passage, lobbying for changes to current regulations governing the provision of home health services under Medicare Part B to allow Occupational Therapy to qualify as an initiating service. HR 1137 - Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009: lobbying against specific provisions in the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare as a therapy service incident to a physicians order. HR 2479 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2009: Oppose. Negatively impacts occupational therapy scope of practice. HR 2068 - Medicare Telehealth Expansion Act of 2009: Advocate for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. S 1131/HR 2560 - Independence at Home Act of 2009: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. HR 1829/S 950 - Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009: advocate for changing the bill to include occupational therapy. HR 3184/S 1186 - Medicare Independent Living Act: Advocate for passage No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR4691 (PL 111-144) - Temporary Extensions Act of 2010: Advocate for extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions process and the Medicare Physicians Payment Update. HR 4851 (PL 111-157) - Continuing Extension Act of 2010: Advocate for extension of Medicare Physicians Payment Update. HR 3692 (PL 111-192) - Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010: Advocated for extension of Medicare Physicians Payment Update. Advocated for passage of short and long-term solutions to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payment cuts spurred by the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. No Bill #: Advocate for extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions process. HR 3790 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) in a budget neutral manner: educated and advocated on impact on occupational therapy services. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 1708 - Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009: Advocated for passage. HR 4993 - Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2010: Advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. S 3216 - Medicare Rural Health Care Equity Act of 2010: Advocated for passage. HR 4371 - A bill to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to continue using 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services: Advocated regarding impact to occupational therapy services.

No bill #: Educate members and staff about occupational therapy research.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 5200 - FEHBP Dependent Coverage Extension Act: Educate and advocate for coverage of Occupational Therapy services. S 1963 - Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy services. HR 1036 - Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009: Educated about the role and impact of occupational therapy services. HR 1558 - Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009: Advocated for passage. S Res 490 - A resolution recognizing the measurable, positive impact that the National Committee for Quality Assurance has made on the quality of care patients in the United States have received during the 20 years since the formation of the organization: Advocated for passage. HR 5025 -HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: Educated about occuaptional therapy services. HR 4944 - Siding with America's Patients (SWAP) Act - Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4919, HR 4903 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 4910 - A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and enact the Empowering Patients First Act in order to provide incentives to encourage health insurance coverage: Educated about occupational therapy services and to ensure coverage. HR 4894 -- A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ot ensure appropriate treatment of Department of Veterans' Affairs and Department of Defense heatlh programs: Educated about occupational therapy services. HR 5040 - Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010: advocated for passage and educated about occupational therapy services. HR 678 - Huntington's Disease Parity Act: Advocated for passage

No bill #: Funding of Higher Education Loan Forgiveness for Occupational Therapists working with Children and or veterans. No bill#: Lobbied to establish a reserve fund for the Medicare Outpatient Therapy Caps Repeal to provide funding for cap repeal. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. Draft Bills DHAPPS1108 and DSAPPs1108 - Fiscal 2011 Labor, HHS & Education Appropriations: Lobby for report language to make occupational therapy an initiating service for Medicare Home Health beneficiaries. Lobbied for increased funding for all of the following programs: National Institute of Health (NIH); National Center on Medical and Rehabilitation Research, The Centers for Disease Controls Falls Prevention Program and older driver initiative; the Health Resources Services Administration; The Administration on Aging; the Older Americans Act (OAA); The Veterans Administration (VA); The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA); The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH); The Department of Education - for funding; funding for professions of national need under the Hihger Education act; and Title VII of the Public Health Services Act.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy.. S. 1796 - America's Healthy Future Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy.

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revision of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

No bill #: Educate members and staff about occupational therapy research.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy.. S. 1796 - America's Healthy Future Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 (PL 111-148) - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 4662 - Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010: Oppose provisions requiring additional accreditation for occupational therapy services.

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revision of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. No bill#: Advocacy with House and Senate and Dept. of Veterans Affairs regarding suggested update to occupational therapy qualification standards.

No bill #: Educate members and staff about occupational therapy research.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy.. S. 1796 - America's Healthy Future Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy.. S. 1796 - America's Healthy Future Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage. HR 3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy.

No bill #: Funding of Higher Education Loan Forgiveness for Occupational Therapists working with Children and or veterans. No bill#: Lobbied to establish a reserve fund for the Medicare Outpatient Therapy Caps Repeal to provide funding for cap repeal. HR 2647/S 1390 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2010: lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services under Tri-Care and passage of Amendment #62, Sect. 708 as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. Also lobbied to elevate in rank the Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. No Bill #: (Senate) - America's Healthy Future Act - lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy. S. 1679 - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy.. No Bill #: (Senate) - America's Healthy Future Act - lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services; and in support of efforts to address shortages in health care workforce, including occupational therapy; and oppose Wyden Amendment D-9 offset related to orthotics and prosthetics; advocated to change Lincoln D-10 amendment to reduce the scope of the amendment and to include occupational therapy. HR 2891 - Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009: Support passage.

No bill #: Educate members and staff about occupational therapy research.

H.R. 43 and S. 46 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitative Services Act of 2009: Support and passage of all provisions, lobbying for the repeal of the provisions of the 1997 Balance Budget Act which imposed a $1840 annual cap on occupational therapy services covered by Medicare. HR 1094 - Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2009: All provisions, passage, lobbying for changes to current regulations governing the provision of home health services under Medicare Part B to allow Occupational Therapy to qualify as an initiating service. HR 1137 - Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009: lobbying against specific provisions in the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare as a therapy service incident to a physicians order. HR 2479 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2009: Oppose. Negatively impacts occupational therapy scope of practice. HR 2068- Medicare Telehealth .Expansion Act of 2009: advocated for passage HR 2068 - Medicare Telehealth Expansion Act of 2009: Advocate for passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. S 1131/HR 2560 - Independence at Home Act of 2009: Support passage and inclusion of occupational therapy. HR 1829/S 950 - Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009: advocate for changing the bill to include occupational therapy.

HR 1600/S 1169 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S 819/HR 2413 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. No bill # - (Senate) - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. No bill # - (Senate) - Affordable Health Choices Act: lobby regarding inclusion of occupational therapy, mental health coverage, and rehabilitation services

No bill #: Funding of Higher Education Loan Forgiveness for Occupational Therapists working with Children and or veterans. No bill#: Lobbied to establish a reserve fund for the Medicare Outpatient Therapy Caps Repeal to provide funding for cap repeal. HR 2647/S 1390 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2010: lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services under Tri-Care and passage of Amendment #62, Sect. 708 as it relates to inclusion of occupational therapy services. Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 - Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2010: Support inclusion of occupational therapy funding and passage.

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revision of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. No bill#: Advocacy with House and Senate and Dept. of Veterans Affairs regarding suggested update to occupational therapy qualification standards.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act.

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revisino of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. No bill#: Advocacy with House and Senate and Dept. of Veterans Affairs regarding suggested update to occupational therapy qualification standards.

H.R. 43 and S. 46 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitative Services Act of 2009: Support and passage of all provisions, lobbying for the repeal of the provisions of the 1997 Balance Budget Act which imposed a $1840 annual cap on occupational therapy services covered by Medicare. HR 1094 - Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2009: All provisions, passage, lobbying for changes to current regulations governing the provision of home health services under Medicare Part B to allow Occupational Therapy to qualify as an initiating service. HR 1137 - Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009: lobbying against specific provisions in the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare as a therapy service incident to a physicians order. No bill#: Propose amendments to orthotics and prosthetics legislation as it impacts occupational therapy practice, specifically to protect occupational therapy scope of practice HR 2068- Medicare Telehealth .Expansion Act of 2009: advocated for passage s. 1131 independence at home act of 2009: inclusion of OT HR 2 (PL 111-3) - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009: Advocate for coverage of occupational therapy under the CHIP expansion.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act.

HR 1600 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism, mental health coverage and rehabilitation services under TRICARE; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. S819 - Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009; lobbied to educate on Occupational Therapy role in Autism services. No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. (White House Transition Team - Karreem Dale) HR 1 (PL 111-5)- American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009: Advocacy regarding occupational therapy opportunities in the Stimulus Package

H.R. 43 and S. 46 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitative Services Act of 2009: Support and passage of all provisions, lobbying for the repeal of the provisions of the 1997 Balance Budget Act which imposed a $1840 annual cap on occupational therapy services covered by Medicare. HR 1094 - Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2009: All provisions, passage, lobbying for changes to current regulations governing the provision of home health services under Medicare Part B to allow Occupational Therapy to qualify as an initiating service. HR 1137 - Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009: lobbying against specific provisions in the legislation that would allow athletic trainers to bill Medicare as a therapy service incident to a physicians order. No bill#: Propose amendments to orthotics and prosthetics legislation as it impacts occupational therapy practice, specifically to protect occupational therapy scope of practice. HR 2 (PL 111-3) - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009: Advocate for coverage of occupational therapy under the CHIP expansion.

No bill #: Health Care Reform; Educate about recommendations and position of the American Occupational Therapy Association regarding occupational therapy. (White House Transition Team - Karreem Dale)

No bill #: Advocacy with Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding the update and revisino of the titles and descriptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. No bill#: Advocacy with House and Senate and Dept. of Veterans Affairs regarding suggested update to occupational therapy qualification standards.

No bill #: Loan forgiveness for occupational therapists working with children and/or veterans under the Higher Education Act.

No bill Number: Veterans Health Appropriations Bill - appropriations for occupational therapy continuing education grant and educate members about the role of occupational therapy. S.3230 (was HGW 207 and SGW 207): Making appropriations for Depts of Labor, HHS, Education and Related agencies for FY end 9/30/09 - lobbied members to include apropriate funding levels for the Public Health Service Act (Title VII), NIH, CDC and IDEA funding.

S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for s hool based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1134 and S. 2485, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007 - advocated for inclusion of occupational theapy. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. No bill number - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization - advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy with general education students and for providing testing accomodations for students with disabilities. issues addressed included early intervening funds, RTI and PBS inclusion. H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment.

S. 450 and HR 748, The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 - All provisions, passage. HR 1846, The Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Opposed based on quality, cost accountability, and scope of practice concerns. S. 1224 and HR 3269, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Advocated in support of the CHIP program and an expanded role for occuaptional therapy. H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protections Act of 2007 (CHAMP) - Advocated for Medicare provision regarding therapy caps, 75% rule on inpatient rehabilitation facilities, SGR cuts and Medicaid provisions. S. 799 and H.R. 1621, The Community Choice Act - Supported all provisions. S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - supported passage and maintaining Medicaid funding for school based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1809 and S. 2103, Medicare Independent Living Act - Supported the provision of improved access to mobility devices for people with disabilities. H.R. 4082 and S. 1980, Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy in quality reporting. S. 932 and H.R. 1552, Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapist Act of 2007 - Advocated regarding impact on occupational therapy. H.R. 1663, Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and improved role for occupational therapy. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. H.R. 4248, Ensuring Medicare Access to Recreational Thearpy Act - Opposed findings language referring to functional capacities and worked to amend that language. No bill number - Medicaid Rehabilitation Services Proposed Rule - Before Congress advocated for moratorium; opposed proposal to restrict the reimbursement of services under the rehabilitation option. HR 5704, The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: Advocated for the promotion of occupational therapy in home health under Medicare. No bill number: Advocated and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health practice. HR 5590, Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act - inclusion of occupational therapy coverage language. No bill number - Preserving Access to Medicare Act - advocated for passage and inclusion of Part B outpatient therapy cap exceptions process extension, physician fee schedule update, and physician quality review incentive (PQRI). HR 2231 and S 2931 - Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act of 2007 - advocated for exemption of complex rehab from competitive bidding for DMEPOS. H.R. 7130 and S. 3631 - Medically Fragile Childrens Act of 2008 - Advocated for provision of occupational therapy. H.R. 6878 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2008 - Opposed due to negative impact on occupational therapy scope of practice and reimbursement.

S. 999 and HR 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - advocated for passage (reserach for stroke protocols/best practices). HConRes 195, Designating a National Dysphagia Awareness Month - advocated for passage. S. 3584 - Obesity Prevention, Treatment and Research Act of 2008 - advocated for role and inclusion of occupational therapy.

H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment.

No issues this quarter

S. 450 and HR 748, The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 - All provisions, passage. HR 1846, The Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Opposed based on quality, cost accountability, and scope of practice concerns. S. 1224 and HR 3269, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Advocated in support of the CHIP program and an expanded role for occuaptional therapy. H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protections Act of 2007 (CHAMP) - Advocated for Medicare provision regarding therapy caps, 75% rule on inpatient rehabilitation facilities, SGR cuts and Medicaid provisions. S. 799 and H.R. 1621, The Community Choice Act - Supported all provisions. S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - supported passage and maintaining Medicaid funding for school based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1809 and S. 2103, Medicare Independent Living Act - Supported the provision of improved access to mobility devices for people with disabilities. H.R. 4082 and S. 1980, Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy in quality reporting. S. 932 and H.R. 1552, Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapist Act of 2007 - Advocated regarding impact on occupational therapy. H.R. 1663, Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and improved role for occupational therapy. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. H.R. 4248, Ensuring Medicare Access to Recreational Thearpy Act - Opposed findings language referring to functional capacities and worked to amend that language. HR 2642 (PL 110-252) Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations -Advocated for moratorium on Medicaid School-based Transportation and Administrative Claiming Costs and opposed elimination of reimbursement for rehab service option. No bill number - Medicaid Rehabilitation Services Proposed Rule - Before Congress advocated for moratorium; opposed proposal to restrict the reimbursement of services under the rehabilitation option. HR 5704, The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act: Advocated for the promotion of occupational therapy in home health under Medicare. No bill number: Advocated and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health practice. HR 6331 and S 3101, Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers act of 2008 - Advocated for passage and inclusion of following provisions: Part B Outpatient therapy cap exceptions process extension, physician fee schedule update; reduction in copay for Medicare mental health provisions, and delay competitive bidding for DMEPOS; and PQRI. HR 5590, Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act - inclusion of occupational therapy coverage language. No bill number - Preserving Access to Medicare Act - advocated for passage and inclusion of Part B outpatient therapy cap exceptions process extension, physician fee schedule update, and physician quality review incentive (PQRI). HR 2231 and S 2931 - Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act of 2007 - advocated for exemption of complex rehab from competitive bidding for DMEPOS. H.R. 7130 and S. 3631 - Medically Fragile Childrens Act of 2008 - Advocated for provision of occupational therapy. H.R. 6878 - Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2008 - Opposed due to negative impact on occupational therapy scope of practice and reimbursement.

S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for s hool based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1134 and S. 2485, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007 - advocated for inclusion of occupational theapy. H.R. 4137, Higher Education Amendments of 2007 (was -College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007) - advocated for loan repayment for occupational therapy, accreditation standards, and grants and scholarships for OT.. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. No bill number - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization - advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy with general education students and for providing testing accomodations for students with disabilities. issues addressed included early intervening funds, RTI and PBS inclusion. HR 2642 (PL 110-252) Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations -Advocated for moratorium on Medicaid School-based Transportation and Administrative Claiming Costs and opposed elimination of reimbursemen for rehab service option.. H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment.

H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment. Elaine Ciao, Secretary of Labor, Dept. of Labor - Seeking correction of the title of 'occupational therapy assistant' in the Standard Occupational Classification published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No bill Number: Veterans Health Appropriations Bill - appropriations for occupational therapy continuing education grant and educate members about the role of occupational therapy. HGW 207 and SGW 207: Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill - lobbied members to include apropriate funding levels for the Public Health Service Act (Title VII), NIH, CDC and IDEA funding.

H.R. 2608 and S. 821 (PL 110-328) - SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - advocated for passage.

HR 1424, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 845 (PL 110-202), Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493 (PL 110-233), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for heatlh care coverage. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in Veteran's health care. S. 2162 and H.R. 4053 - Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy. S. 3584 - Obesity Prevention, Treatment and Research Act of 2008 - advocated for role and inclusion of occupational therapy. HRES 1381 - Expressing the sense of the House that theree should be an increased federal commitment prioritizing prevention and public health for all people in the U.S. - Advocated for role of occupational therapy in prevention and wellness, especially falls prevention. H.R. 5352 - Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008 - Advocated for the role of occupational therapy. H.R. 6983 - Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. HRES 1478 - Supportin gthe goals of "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls amoung older adults - Advocated role of occupational therapy in fall prevention and for passage. S. 3406 and H.R. 3195 (PL 110-325) - ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. H.R. 2608 and S. 821 (PL 110-328) - SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - advocated for passage.

S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for s hool based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1134 and S. 2485, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007 - advocated for inclusion of occupational theapy. H.R. 4137, College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 - advocated for loan repayment for occupational therapy in Higher Education Act. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. No bill number - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization - advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy with general education students and for providing testing accomodations for students with disabilities. issues addressed included early intervening funds, RTI and PBS inclusion. HR 2642 (PL 110-252) Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations -Advocated for moratorium on Medicaid School-based Transportation and Administrative Claiming Costs and opposed elimination of reimbursemen for rehab service option.. H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment.

No activity this period.

HR 1424, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 845 (PL 110-202), Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493 (PL 110-233), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for heatlh care coverage. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in Veteran's health care. Centers for Disease Control, Director of Center for Inuury Prevention and Control, Ileana Arias - Advocated for working together on their initiative to prevent falls among seniors.

No bill Number: Veterans Health Appropriations Bill - appropriations for occupational therapy continuing education grant and educate members about the role of occupational therapy. HGW 207 and SGW 207: Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill - lobbied members to include apropriate funding levels for the Public Health Service Act (Title VII), NIH, CDC and IDEA funding.

H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Supported the inclusion of occupational therapy for loan repayment.

H.R. 1424 and H.R. 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and AddictionEquity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493 (PL 110-233), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Supported passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for health care coverage. S. 2795 and HR 6210, Small Business Health Options Program Act - Advocated to ensure appropriate inclusion of occupational therapy services. No bill number, Small Business Choice Act - Advocated for state mandate laws.

S. 450 and HR 748, The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 - All provisions, passage. HR 1846, The Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Opposed based on quality, cost accountability, and scope of practice concerns. S. 1224, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Advocated in support of the CHIP program and an expanded role for occuaptional therapy. H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protections Act of 2007 (CHAMP) - Advocated for Medicare provision regarding therapy caps, 75% rule on inpatient rehabilitation facilities, SGR cuts and Medicaid provisions. S. 799 and H.R. 1621, The Community Choice Act - Supported all provisions. S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - supported passage and maintaining Medicaid funding for school based administrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1809 and S. 2103, Medicare Independent Living Act - Supported the provision of improved access to mobility devices for people with disabilities. H.R. 4082 and S. 1980, Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy in quality reporting. S. 932 and H.R. 1552, Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapist Act of 2007 - Advocated regarding impact on occupational therapy. H.R. 1663, Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and improved role for occupational therapy. S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. H.R. 4248, Ensuring Medicare Access to Recreational Thearpy Act - Opposed findings language referring to functional capacities and worked to amend that language. No bill number - Medicaid School-based Transportation and Administrative Claiming Costs - Before Congress, opposed elimination of reimbursement - advocated for a moratorium. No bill number - Medicaid Rehabilitation Services Proposed Rule - Before Congress advocated for moratorium; opposed proposal to restrict the reimbursement of services under the rehabilitation option. No bill number: Advocated for the promotion of occupational therapy in home health under Medicare (Note; introduced 4/3/08 ad H.R. 5704, The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act.). No bill number: Advocated for payment fixes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. No bill number: Advocated and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health practice. No bill number: Advocated for an extension of the Medicare Part B Outpatient Therapy cap extension period.

H.R. 1424 and H.R. 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and AddictionEquity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493 (appended to HR 1424), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Supported passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for health care coverage. S. 2795, Small Business Health Options Program Act - Advocated to ensure appropriate inclusion of occupational therapy services.

S. 845 Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted the role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. S. 999 and HR 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - advocated for passage (reserach for stroke protocols/best practices).

HR 1424, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 845, Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493 (appended to HR 1424), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for heatlh care coverage. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in Veteran's health care. Centers for Disease Control, Director of Center for Inuury Prevention and Control, Ileana Arias - Advocated for working together on their initiative to prevent falls among seniors.

No bill Number: Veterans Health Appropriations Bill - appropriations for occupational therapy continuing education grant and educate members about the role of occupational therapy. No bill Number: Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill - lobbied members to include apropriate funding levels for the Public Health Service Act (Title VII), NIH and CDC funding.

S. 845 Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted the role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. S. 999 and HR 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy.

S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for school based admministrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1134, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007, advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy. No bill number - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization - advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy with general education students and for providing testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Issues addressed included early intervening funds, RTI and PBS inclusion. Office of Special Education Programs, Director Alexa Posney - Advocated about the role of occupational thearpy under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). S. 1628, Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007 - Advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy loan repayment. No bill number - Medicaid School-based Transportation and Administrative Claiming Costs - Before Congress, opposed elimination of reimbursement - advocating for a moratorium.

HR 1424 and HR 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 845, Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for heatlh care coverage. HR 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 626 and HR 1283, Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. S. 999 and H.R. 477 - Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007 - Advocated for passage and role of occupational therapy. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in Veteran's health care. Centers for Disease Control, Director of Center for Inuury Prevention and Control, Ileana Arias - Advocated for working together on their initiative to prevent falls among seniors.

No activity this period

s. 1710, Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - provisions related to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education. H.R. 3043, Dept of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - provisions related to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education.

No activity this period

HR 1424 and HR 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Supported passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for health care coverage.

HR 1424 and HR 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy.

No activity this period

s. 1710, Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - provisions related to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education. H.R. 3043, Dept of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - provisions related to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education.

No activity this period

S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for school based admministrative claiming and transportation services. H.R. 1134, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007, advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy.

no activity this period

".H.R. 3043, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Provisions related to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education. "S. 1710, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, provisions rela ted to inclusion of funding specific to occupational therapy and education."

H.R. 1134, Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007, advocated for inclusion of occupational therapy. No bill number - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization - advocated for an expanded role for occcupational therapy with general education students and for providing testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Issues addressed included early intervening funds, RTI and PBS inclusion. Office of Special Education Programs, Director Alexa Posney: Advocated about the role of occupational therapy under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). S. 578 and H.R. 1017, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act - Provisions related to maintaining Medicaid funding for school based administrative claiming and transportation services.

S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for health care coverage. HR 1424 and HR 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy.

S. 845, Safety of Seniors Act of 2007. - Supported passage and highllighted the role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls.

S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy. S. 845, Safety of Seniors Act of 2007 - Supported passage and highlighted role of occupational therapy in preventing senior falls. HR 2260, Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Opposed legislation as it is an undue burden on non-physician health care providers and does not improve quality or patient safety. S. 358 and HR 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 - Support passage to help prevent discrimination in regard to insurance for health care coverage. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in mental health. No bill number: Advocated for and educated about the role of occupational therapy in Veteran's health care. HR 1424 and HR 1367, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 - Supported improved coverage and advocated for an expanded role for occupational therapy.

Provisions related to use of occupational therapy services • S 1021, Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2005 All provisions: • S 1570, Employer Work Incentive Act Inclusion of occupational therapy • HR 27, Job Training Improvement Act of 2005

Provisions related to use of occupational therapy services • S 1021, Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2005 Inclusion of occupational therapy • HR 27, Job Training Improvement Act of 2005 Assure inclusion of occupational therapy services • S 705, Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors Act of 2005 • HR 3859, Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors act of 2005

Provisions related to treatment, coverage and research for rehabilitation services, especially occupational therapy • HR 1020, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2005 • S 999, Conquering Pain Act of 205 Provisions related to occupational therapy services • HR 1106, Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2005 • HR 1166, Long Term Care Quality Improvement Act of 2005 • HR 1262, Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005 • HR 3205, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act • S 708, Long Term Care Quality and Consumer Information Improvement Act of 2005 • S 537, Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2005 • S 1531, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2005 • S 602, Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005 All provisions • HR 1227, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 • HR 1789, Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act • S 538, Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act • S 1929, Faircare Act • S 1716, Emergency Health Care Relief Act of 2005 • S 306, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 • HR 1227, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 • HR 1738, End Institutionalized Abuse Against Children Act of 2005 Provisions related to providers to include occupational therapy services • HR 1588, Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2005 • S 3984, Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2006 • S 380, Keeping Families Together Act of 2005 • HR 823, Keeping Families Together Act of 2005 Provisions related to provider and patient protections and qualification of • HR 2259, Patient's Bill of Rights Act of 2005 • S 1012, Patient's Bill of Rights Act of 2005 Provisions related to use and research of occupational therapy services • HR 2421, Combating Autism Act of 2005 • S 843, Combating Autism Act of 2005 Inclusion of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services and research and training • HR 3307, Lupus Research, Education, Awareness, Communication and Healthcare Amendments of 2005 • S 756, Lupus Research, Education, Awareness, Communication and Healthcare • S 424, Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005 • HR 583, Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005 • HR 5738, Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 • S 3668, Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 All provisions, especially those related to the provision of occupational therapy services. • HR 898, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act • S 1064, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act • S 1531, Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act • HR 5408, Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act of 2006 Provisions related to use of occupational therapy services for prevention and wellness • S 1074, HeLP America Act • HR 5951, Healthy Lifestyles & Prevention America Act • S 3717, Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2006 Inclusion of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services • HR 2929, A bill to amend title 38, US Code for certain children with spina bifida as are currently available to veterans with service-connected disabilities • HR 3248, Lifespan Respite Care Act • HR 3000, Josephine Butler U.S. Health Service Act • HR 3063, Money Follows the Person Act • S 705, Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors Act of 2005 • HR 3859, Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors act of 2005 • S 1418, Wired for Health Care Quality Act • HR 4726, Wired for Health Care Quality Act • S 1503, Healthy America Act of 2005 • HR 963, Children's Compassionate Care Act of 2005 • S 1177, Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Act of 2005 • S 1182, Veterans Health Care Act of 2005 • S 1116, Positive Aging Act of 2005 • S 174, Children's Compassionate Care Act of 2005 • S 4, Healthy America Act of 2005 • S 528, Money Follows the Person Act • HR 1443, Family Opportunity Act of 2005 • S 183, Family Opportunity Act of 2005 • HR 1200, American Health Security Act of 2005 • HR 2629, Positive Aging Act of 2005 • S. 2010, Elder Justice Act • HR 4993, Elder Justice Act • S 3449, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resiliency Act of 2006 • HR 5293, Senior Independence Act of 2006 Inclusion of occupational therapy and rehabilitation technologies • S 1223, Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act of 2005 • S 1227, Health Information Technology Act of 2005 • S 1262, Health Technology to Improve Quality Act of 2005 • S 1355, Better Healthcare Through Information Technology Act

Provisions related to parity and provision of occupational therapy services • HR 1402, Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2005 Provisions related to provider and patient protections and qualification of providers • HR 2259, Patient's Bill of Rights Act of 2005 • HR 2650, Patient Protection Act of 2005 • S 1012, Patient's Bill of Rights Act of 2005 Provisions related to application of payment system to occupational therapy • HR 2356, Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005 Provision of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services • HR 3000, Josephine Butler U.S. Health Service Act Provisions related to safeguards, protections and access to services, including occupational therapy • HR 525, The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 • S 637, Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2005 Inclusion of occupational therapy and provision of rehabilitation services • S 1503, Healthy America Act of 2005 • S 4, Healthy America Act of 2005 • HR 3074, Quality Healthcare Coalition Act of 2005 • S 1951, CLASS Act • HR 3248, Lifespan Respite Care Act Provisions related to occupational therapy services • S 708, Long Term Care Quality and Consumer Information Improvement Act of 2005 All provisions, especially as related to occupational therapy services • HR 898, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act • S 1064, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act All provisions • HR 1227, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 • S 306, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 • HR 3254, CARE Act of 20005 • S 2244, Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort Act of 2005 Provisions related to inclusion of rehabilitation services, especially occupational therapy • HR 1200, American Health Security Act of 2005 • S 1955, Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization & Affordability Act

Provisions related to occupational therapy services • S 602, Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005 • HR 1262, Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005 Provisions related to use and research of occupational therapy services • HR 2421, Combating Autism Act of 2005 • S 843, Combating Autism Act of 2005 Inclusion of occupational therapy • HR 2629, Positive Aging Act of 2005 • HR 3063, Money Follows the Person Act • S 1116, Positive Aging Act of 2005 • S 528, Money Follows the Person Act Provisions related to occupational therapy training, education, and research • HR 2949, A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 • HR 2960, a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 Inclusion of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services and research and training • HR 3307, Lupus Research, Education, Awareness, Communication and Healthcare Amendments of 2005 • S 756, Lupus Research, Education, Awareness,Communication and Healthcare Amendments of 2005 • HR 5738, Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 • S 3668, Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 Provisions related to research, training and provision of occupational therapy services • HR 583, Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005 • S 424, Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005 • S 1531, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2005 • HR 5608, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2005 All provisions, especially as related to occupational therapy services • HR 898, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act • S 1064, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act Provisions related to Medicare coverage of occupational therapy services, training, research and education under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, and funding for IDEA • HR 5647, Making Appropriations for Depts of Labor, Health and Human Svcs and Education and related agencies for year ending Sept 30, 2007 • S 3708, Making Appropriations for Depts. of Labor, Health and Human Svcs and Education and related agencies for year ending Sept 30, 2007 Provisions related to treatment, coverage and research for rehabilitation services, especially occupational therapy • HR 1020, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2005 • S 999, Conquering Pain Act of 205

All provisions: • HR 1789, Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act • S 538, Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act Provisions related to related services and occupational therapy • HR 1681, Quality Education for All Act • HR 2123, A bill to reauthorize the Head Start program • HR 2569, No Child Left Behind Improvement Act of 2005 • S 15, Quality Education for All Act • S 848, Educational Reform Act of 2005 • S 3705, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 • HR 5834, Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 Provisions related to funding and training for rehabilitation providers especially occupational therapy services • HR 215, Allied Health Professions Reinvestment Act of 2005 • S 473, Allied Health Reinvestment Act Inclusion of occupational therapy • HR 27, Job Training Improvement Act of 2005 • HR 367, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2005 • HR 3063, Money Follows the Person Act • HR 4059, Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act of 2005 • S 528, Money Follows the Person Act Inclusion of occupational therapists for loan forgiveness opportunities • HR 2815, College Access and Affordability Act • HR 3438, Teacher Training Expansion Act of 2005 • HR 609, College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005 Provisions related to occupational therapy training, education, and research • HR 294, A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 • HR 2960, A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 • HR 507, Higher Education Act Amendments of 2005 • HR 510, A bill to amend and extend title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 • S 1614, Higher Education Amendments of 2005 Provisions related to funding for related services, especially occupational therapy • HR 3145, Mandatory IDEA Full Funding Compromise Act Provisions related to funding and provision of related services • HR 363, Keep our Promise to Americas Children and Teachers Act • HR 529, Respecting our Leaders in Education Model Act of • S 2185, Mandatory IDEA Full Funding Compromise Act • S 2185, Mandatory IDEA Full Funding Compromise Act Provisions related to funding and provision of related services • HR 363, Keep our Promise to Americas Children and Teachers Act • HR 529, Respecting our Leaders in Education Model Act of Provisions related to use of occupational therapy services • S 1021, Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2005