Join Us: Scope of Practice Revision Efforts |
In 2023, the VOTA board voted to convene an ad hoc committee, focused on the OT scope of practice in Virginia. The scope was last updated more than 10 years ago. The proposed updates are focused on:
Updating to our modern practice language (OTPF 4)
-
Create language that provides broad opportunity, while being specific enough to avoid overlooked areas of practice
-
Improve representation of group and population health as well as prevention and health promotion
-
Ensure strong mental health language
We are currently focused on the financial feasibility of running a bill to update the scope of practice. In order to successfully introduce a bill in the 2026 legislative assembly, we need to raise $24,000. This is daunting, especially when VOTA membership dues revenue in recent years has been around $21,000 which does not cover our projected $36,000 in admin costs for the fiscal year.
VOTA membership represents less than 4% of OTPs in Virginia. If all 7092 OTPs in VA were VOTA members, we would generate $528,380 annually. Membership costs are no more than the cost of a monthly craft latte at your favorite coffee shop. Imagine the impact our collective voices and funds could have!
VOTA recently hosted a scope of practice listening session for members and non-members to share about our progress toward scope of practice revisions and to hear from OT practitioners about the needs they have in practice. The presentation slides and recording for this event (passcode: r7!!wBeS) are available. Use our fact sheet to share about our efforts with your friends and coworkers! |
Current Scope
“"Practice of occupational therapy" means the therapeutic use of occupations for habilitation and rehabilitation to enhance physical health, mental health, and cognitive functioning. It and includes the evaluation, analysis, assessment, and delivery of education and training in basic and instrumental activities of daily living; the design, fabrication, and application of orthoses (splints); the design, selection, and use of adaptive equipment and assistive technologies; therapeutic activities to enhance functional performance; vocational evaluation and training; and consultation concerning the adaptation of physical, sensory, and social environments.”
Proposed Scope
""Practice of Occupational Therapy” means the use of evaluation and therapeutic interventions to achieve targeted outcomes related to occupational performance and participation. Interventions are designed to promote quality of life by addressing physical, sensory, psychosocial, and cognitive health and wellness in connection with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
Intervention approaches may include establishing or restoring motor, process, and social interaction skills, modifying activities and environments, preventing barriers to participation, and promoting and maintaining optimal performance within habits, roles, routines, and rituals.
Intervention types may include occupations and activities, physical agent and mechanical modalities, orthotics and prosthetics, assistive and mobility technology, environmental modification, self-regulation, education, training, and advocacy."
