Lobbying for OT Profession
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This section of the website aims to provide up-to-date resources for legislative and advocacy issues that affect occupational therapy reimbursements and practice in Illinois. Find your Federal or State Congressman/woman Important Bills to Advocate (click the link to view the bills)ots041710 About Our Lobbyist: Maureen Mulhall
ILOTA and our lobbyist Maureen Mulhall are working hard to address legislative and advocacy issues. We need your support as occupational therapy practitioners, students and consumers to advocate for occupational therapy services for our clients. If you want to contribute to the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association to support the group’s political and legislative action efforts, please send your check to: Payable to: Illinois Occupational Therapy Association; Please note that this donation is for Political Action Recent announcements from the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Coordinator
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I have been honored to serve as the lobbyist for the ILOTA for over 7 years. One of the goals of any lobbyist is to help the client (that’s YOU) become a ‚Äúname brand‚Äù in the Capitol, that is, be the ‚Äúgo to‚Äù organization on specific issues. Each year I have watched the effectiveness of the ILOTA grow in the Capitol. We have partnered with the Illinois Physical Therapy Association in efforts to halt the inappropriate expansion of the scope of practice of Athletic Trainers. We have worked with the Illinois Department of Public Health to add OTs to administrative rules where appropriate. This legislative session we worked with IDPH on legislation amending the Health Care Worker Background Check law. Most significantly during my tenure as lobbyist, we substantially rewrote the Occupational Therapy Act, which also required a substantial rewrite of the Administrative Rules to implement the Act. I have made an effort to make myself available to ILOTA members, especially at conference, to explain the legislative process and respond to questions about specific legislation. I have repeatedly been impressed with the commitment that occupational therapist demonstrate to their profession, which makes it quite easy for me to proudly represent you with legislators, State agencies and staff.
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