MAOT News & Events

What's happening in Occupational Therapy in Massachusetts and across the nation.


Now is Your Chance to Join MAOT!

Join now and:

o Receive $10 off each registration when 2 people join together

o Receive $15 off each registration when 3 or more people join together

PLUS:

o Each new member will be entered to win free registration to MAOT's annual fall conference

Why Join MAOT?

  • Professional growth
  • Access to current issues, news and links
  • Safeguarding the OT profession
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Advocacy for the profession
  • Your voice will be heard!

Special promotion is only valid between March 1st and April 30th, 2009

See New Memberbship Flyer


MAOT Awards for the MAOT Fall Conference


This years’ MAOT Annual Conference 2009 will be held at the Westford Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Westford, MA, on October 2, 2009

All award recipients will receive his or her award during the MAOT Annual Conference

More Information and Nominations

Do you have something to share with other Occupational Therapy professionals; work in an expanding Occupational Therapy field; or have a new twist on a traditional Occupational Therapy skill?
 
MAOT Conference Committee 2009 is accepting papers for Presentations and Posters to the annual conference on October 2, 2009 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center. 
 
Please find the MAOT Call for Papers attached for the 2009 Annual Conference which is due posted marked by April 15th, 2009 in the MAOT Office.    
 
“Coming Together, Moving Forward”
 
MAOT is encouraging submissions in the following topic areas: 

  • Advanced Practice Topics
  • Assistive Technology
  • Research and its application to practice
  • Assessments in practice
  • Creative community practice models
  • Reimbursement
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Developmental Disabilities
Please See Call for Papers Information

Also, MAOT is offering three options for a company to reach conference attendees; Exhibit Hall Display, Literature Table and Conference Sponsorship. Please see the link below to view information outlining these options in detail.

NOTE: As part of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)’s Approved Provider Program, AOTA is requesting that participants of this course complete a short online survey about your continuing education experience with our organization as an AOTA Approved Provider. Completing this survey will also enter you into a quarterly drawing for a $100 voucher for AOTA publications or CE. To access the survey go to http://www.aota.org/appsurvey.


Please See 2009 MAOT Conferencere Exhibitor Information


~ Fellowship Program ~

Leadership in Maternal & Child Health

(Beginning September 2009)

Currently Accepting Applications
January - July 2009 (rolling admissions)

$11,800 stipend available for qualified applicants

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center in Waltham, MA is a 9-month leadership program in the field of developmental disabilities that prepares professionals, persons with disabilities, and family members to influence policy and clinical practice on behalf of children with developmental disabilities and their families.

o Fellowship stipends are available to qualified applicants who possess leadership potential and have degrees in the following disciplines:

Audiology, Genetics, Health Administration, Nursing, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics, Pediatric Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology

o Fellowship stipends are also available for qualified individuals with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities who are interested in pursuing careers focusing on disability policy or systems change.

o Applicants should have experience working with children and youth with developmental disabilities or chronic illness and should have demonstrated leadership potential.

o Qualified applicants may have their LEND coursework credited towards a Master in Health Administration (MHA) or Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University at reduced tuition.

o The LEND program involves a minimum commitment of 1 and one half days per week (Thursday afternoons and Fridays) on-site over a 9-month period.

For more information and application forms, visit our website at:
http://www.umassmed.edu/shriver/Education.

For additional information contact:

Carol Curtin, MSW, Associate Director

~ or ~

Carol Imposimato, Administrative Coordinator

Tel: (781) 642-0045

Email: Carol.Curtin@umassmed.edu or Carol.Imposimato@umassmed.edu


Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Sargent College


Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College offers post-professional programs for occupational therapists, exclusively in an online distance learning format. These innovative programs allow you to earn your graduate degree without disrupting your career or relocating your family.

Now a graduate level education is readily accessible to occupational therapists who wish to shape the future of their career. Our two distance education programs include the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and are ranked #1 for the Best Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy in U.S. News & World Report's 2008 “Best Graduate School” rankings. Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

Contact an Admissions Advisor

Call 1.866.232.0232 ext. 3394 (United States & Canada)
or +1.647.722.6641 ext. 3394 (International)

Email: info@otdegree.com


For more information, please see:
http://www.otdegree.com/maot



Thank You, All
for a Wonderful

2008 MAOT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Linking Practice, Education and Research:
Reaching Our Centennial Vision

- Friday, September 26, 2008 -




Conference Chairs, Jean Maclachlan (second from right) and Karen Jacobs (far left) with Penny Moyer
Cleveland, AOTA President (in gray) and Dina Flannery, MAOT President


Penny Moyers Cleveland, AOTA President, and Keynote Speaker (Center in Grey)
with a selection of 2008 Conference Attendees


See More Pictures from the
2008 MAOT Conference

Mental Health SIG
If you have any questions about the Mental Health SIG, please contact Matthew Dong at mddong@hotmail.com or 617-484-0193 ext. 227.


    Geriatric Special Interest Group
     
    More information coming shortly.

    Please contact Beth Deverix at deverix@comcast.net for further information or questions

AOTA Reconsideration Letter Regarding - Draft Medicare Local Coverage Determination Policy (LCD) for Outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy

AOTA filed the attached reconsideration letter today with National Government Services regarding a Medicare Local Coverage Determination Policy (LCD).   This policy impacts 16 states but I wanted you all to be aware of our activities on LCDs.
 
As previously posted, Medicare contractors are going through contractor reform.   As they consolidate and change contractors they are changing Medicare policies.   Many of these proposed policies will impact your members.    In this case NGS requires that one of three specific ICD-9 codes be used as a condition for payment of the 97532 CPT code.
 
Recently we were alerted to an LCD in California that links virtually all of the CPT codes to ICD 9 codes.  This will increase the complexity of getting reimbursed and the restrictive policy will certainly trigger more denials.   We will be working with OTAC to file a reconsideration request.
 
We expect to see more problematic LCDs and will be in touch as these issues come up.  The good news is that our advocacy efforts frequently have a positive impact on final payment policies.

See complete letter (Word)


Massachusetts State Government (Mass.Gov) OT-Related Links



MAOT TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 2043, AN ACT RELATIVE TO DRIVING IMPAIRMENT

The Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy, Inc. (MAOT), a volunteer organization of occupational therapy practitioners representing the profession of occupational therapy to the public throughout the commonwealth would like to record themselves in favor of Senate No. 2043, AN ACT RELATIVE TO DRIVING IMPAIRMENT.

MAOT recognizes that driving an automobile is the most widely used method of transportation. We also recognize the growing body of research correlating changes associated with aging, medications and medical conditions to increased driving risk.

We are in favor of Senate bill 2043 for several reasons. The American Medical Association (AMA) indicates motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of injury related deaths among 65-74 year olds and the second leading cause among 75-84 year olds (after falls).

Occupational therapy practitioners evaluate and provide intervention for clients with community mobility issues. This may include driving as well as the use of public transportation and taxicabs. Occupational therapists evaluate the client's ability to perform community mobility tasks safely and will advise the client to stop driving as a last resort when it becomes unsafe for the client or the public.

As a person grows older, they may have changes in vision, perception, cognition attention, memory and range of motion or strength. A person may also be on prescription medications that could affect their ability to safely drive. These changes may affect the persons' ability to recognize signs, remember where they are going or recall directions to a particular place. They may also have limitations in their ability to rotate their neck and control arm or leg motion precisely which can make it difficult to use car mirrors, manage the gas/brake pedals appropriately or scan the environment as they drive. Occupational therapists are trained to assess these areas and make recommendations to the client and their family regarding their ability to continue to drive safely.

An occupational therapist may provide many types of intervention. In the event of an acquired injury such as a stroke or amputation an occupational therapist may train the client to drive with adapted gas and brake pedals or an adapted steering wheel. Clients of all ages may benefit from an assessment for the correct seat height or mirror adjustment to decrease the risk of an accident.

Research from the Alzheimer's disease Research Center, Department of Neurology indicates that if a person is diagnosed with progressive dementia it is only a matter of time before retirement from driving becomes necessary. Typically within 12-18 months, it is likely that such an individual will fail a driving evaluation, even if they have previously had a passing score.

We at MAOT are in favor of a study to investigate driver impairment and methods to ensure safety to drivers, others on the road and pedestrians. We would like to see increasing methods of alternative transportation for those of whom driving is no longer an option. We would also like to see better education to consumers regarding driving evaluations and the role occupational therapists can play in keeping them and our roadways safe.

Although the Sate of Massachusetts is a voluntary reporting state for those that are unfit to drive, the issue of liability for the individual who is reporting in good faith must be addressed. The formation of a Commission to address all these issues is an excellent start and occupational therapy representation on it can bring much expertise to inform the work of the group.

Please give Senate No. 2043 your favorable consideration and a vote of support.

Thank you for your consideration.


Sincerely,


Dina Flannery, MS, OTR/L, CHT
President, MAOT



Read the text of the bill (Senate 2043)


...In the News
DRIVER IMPAIRMENT STUDY PUSHED BEFORE COMMITTEE
STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS – TUESDAY, OCT. 2,   2007
Advocates of increased involvement of medical professionals in advising the state who should and should not drive spoke in favor this afternoon of a bill establishing a study of driver impairment. The panel would look at impairment from cognitive, visual, motor, flexibility or other medical factors. The bill (S 2043) is geared toward public safety, and backed by occupational therapists. Proponents acknowledged that seniors valuing their independence are often wary of new controls on driving eligibility.

 
Interested in research?
 
Recruitment is ongoing for The Physical Activity in Children (PAC). This study is looking for children ages 7 through 11 with fair to poor motor coordination to participate in a research study about children’s motor coordination, physical activity, fitness, and attitudes toward physical activity.  The purpose of the project is to gather information needed to develop programs to promote health and fitness in all children, including children with disabilities, and reduce the increasing rates of overweight in children. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and being carried out at the E.K. Shriver Center in Waltham, MA  The Principal Investigator on this study is Sharon Cermak, Ed. D, OTR/L, FAOTA, a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Boston University, Sargent College.
 

Occupational Therapists can contribute to this important study by sharing this information with families of children you know who have motor coordination difficulties. Children with average intelligence, including those with learning disabilities are eligible for this study.  Families receive financial compensation for their participation.  See the following link to the Shriver Center's recruitment page: http://www.umassmed.edu/shriver/recruit/pac.aspx.

For more information, please contact the Project Coordinator, Mr. Mario Munoz at marioamu@bu.edu; or 781-642-0272.


The Karen Jacobs and MAOT OTA Scholarships

The Karen Jacobs Scholarship - $500 for an OT student;

and

The MAOT OTA scholarship of $300.00 for an OTA student. 

These two scholarships are available for a Massachusetts resident attending an accredited occupational therapy educational program at either the professional or associate degree level respectively. 

The educational program can be within or outside the state of Massachusetts. The applicant may also be a non-Massachusetts resident who is attending an accredited occupational therapy educational program at the professional or associate degree level inside of Massachusetts.  Applicants must be a member of the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT).

For more Information:

http://www.localstudentfunding.org/content/scholarship.php?r=aag&sid=78

or
Contact MAOT.

Rosie D. v. Romney

Rosie D. v. Romney is a class action lawsuit brought to compel Massachusetts to provide intensive home-based mental health services that will enable children with severe psychiatric disabilities to receive treatment and support in their homes and home communities.  The plaintiffs include eight named children and a class of over 15,000 children throughout the Commonwealth with serious psychiatric and emotional disabilities.
 
Rosie D is NOT legislation; it is a federal court case. The below links will supply information about the case, the decision, implementation plans etc.



AOTA's Reimbursement briefing

Attached is the most recent update from AOTA's reimbursement department. This issue covers updates for July and August 2007 in all practice arenas.  

Included in this attachment are National Policy updates, transmittal watches and an update of all the resources out there.  Some hot topics you might find interesting are CCI Edit updates; CMS Open Door Meeting dates; a request for feedback on CARE Tool and a link to the scope of practice updates on www.aota.org. 
 
I am very interested to hear from you all if this information has been helpful and how MAOT might be able to improve our service in regards to the reimbursement arena.  Please feel free to drop a line to Melissa Tilton at mxtilton@rehabcare.com

Vol. 8, NO. 4
July / August 2007

Reimbursement and Regulatory Policy (RRP) rrpd@aota.org / 1-800-SAY- AOTA, ext. 2013

Chuck Willmarth Sharmila Sandhu Leslie Lloyd
Tara Alexander Judy Thomas Tali Schulman

CONTENTS
1. MEDICARE National Policy Update
***Federal Register Postings
2. CMS Transmittal Watch
***CMS Transmittals Postings
3. CMS Resources
***CMS Open Door Meeting Dates
***CCI Edits
***PAC Payment Reform Demonstration: Your Help and Feedback are needed.
***PQRI Educational Materials information available on CMS website
4. AOTA Reimbursement Resources
***Scope of Practice Report


OPEN DOOR FORUMS

Open Door Forums are offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and are a GREAT  way to listen in on goings on in D.C. for NO cost to you.  All you have to do is register by e-mail (procedure below) and they will send you e-mail notice of time, phone number and "code" so you can call up and listen, or participate, to/in appropriate discussion.  My understanding is it takes about 2 weeks to get you "or their list" and allied forums will happen only a few times a year, so this is not a weekly time commitment.  DO IT!

 

  1. Go to www.cms.hhs.gov
  2. Click on "OPEN DOOR FORUMS" in column on the left side of the screen
  3. This brings you to a description of the forums, you can then identify "Nursing and Allied Health" and click on that, which brings you to a more specific delineation of content area
  4. I believe it is this last screen which provides you with a link to "register for open door forums" which, if you click on that, gives you specific instructions to submit on line for that particular open door - allied health
  5. CMS then sends you notice, by e-mail, of the next forum for your content area. Whether you participate in the next forum or not, they keep sending you notices about upcoming ones until you "un-register"

 

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MAOT - Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy, Inc.
 57 Madison Road - Waltham, MA 02453-6718
 p: 781.647.5556 - f: 781.642.9742 - e: info@maot.org