Advocacy in Action: Advancing Occupational Therapy Across Florida

Dr. Antonette Fernandez

President's Message

The Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) continues to strengthen our profession through legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and collaboration with state and national partners. Over the past several months, significant progress has been made that will expand practice opportunities, reduce administrative barriers, improve access to care, and enhance the future of occupational therapy throughout Florida.

Expanding Practice Through Dry Needling

One of the most exciting developments this year is the advancement of dry needling within Florida's Occupational Therapy Practice Act. During the recent Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice meeting, FOTA presented recommendations supporting the use of qualified professionals already credentialed in dry needling to provide both the didactic and hands-on education required for occupational therapists seeking certification.

The Board accepted these recommendations and is moving forward with rule revisions that will allow occupational therapists to begin obtaining dry needling credentials through approved educational pathways. This represents a significant advancement for our profession by expanding evidence-based treatment options while maintaining the highest standards of competency, patient safety, and professional accountability.

Advancing the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

FOTA also remains committed to pursuing adoption of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) in Florida. The Compact allows occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed in good standing within a member state to practice in other participating states through a compact privilege rather than obtaining multiple licenses.

Supported by the Compact Connect licensure verification system, Compact improves workforce mobility, expands access to occupational therapy services, strengthens emergency response capabilities, and reduces administrative burden for practitioners. As healthcare continues to evolve, adoption of the Compact will position Florida to better meet workforce demands while improving access to care across state lines.

Federal Advocacy Improving Patient Access

Several important federal initiatives continue moving forward that directly benefit occupational therapy practitioners and the patients we serve.

Congress has advanced the bipartisan Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514), legislation designed to reform prior authorization within Medicare Advantage. If enacted, the bill would require standard prior authorization requests to be completed within seven days, urgent requests within 72 hours, transition to electronic prior authorization, and increase transparency regarding approval and denial rates. These reforms have the potential to reduce treatment delays and improve timely access to medically necessary occupational therapy services.

Another significant advocacy victory occurred when Aetna eliminated the physician signature requirement for occupational therapy plans of care, effective May 20, 2026. This policy recognizes the professional autonomy of occupational therapy practitioners, reduces unnecessary administrative burden, and supports more timely patient care. By citing AOTA's Standards of Practice and the Model Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Aetna affirmed that occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to independently evaluate patients, develop plans of care, and provide services within their scope of practice while continuing interdisciplinary collaboration when appropriate.

Protecting Permanent Access to Telehealth

Telehealth has become an essential component of occupational therapy service delivery, improving access for individuals living in rural communities, those with transportation barriers, and patients requiring ongoing care.

Current Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through December 31, 2027. However, FOTA joins AOTA in advocating for permanent federal legislation recognizing occupational therapy practitioners as Medicare telehealth providers. Permanent authorization will ensure continuity of care, increase access for underserved populations, and allow occupational therapy to remain an integral part of modern healthcare delivery.

A Stronger Florida Board Benefits Everyone

FOTA is also pleased to announce that the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice is now fully staffed, an important achievement for both the profession and the public.

A fully appointed Board is essential to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Floridians while ensuring efficient regulation of occupational therapy practice. Complete representation allows the Board to process licensure applications more efficiently, review disciplinary matters fairly, update administrative rules, clarify scope of practice, and respond to emerging evidence and evolving healthcare needs without unnecessary delays.

The Board's balanced representation—including occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and public members—ensures that regulatory decisions reflect the diversity of occupational therapy practice across acute care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, mental health, home health, schools, community practice, and long-term care.

As demonstrated through the recent progress on dry needling, a fully functioning Board provides the expertise and leadership necessary to implement legislative changes, advance evidence-based practice, support workforce development, and improve access to occupational therapy services throughout Florida. Strong Board leadership ultimately benefits practitioners, educators, employers, students, policymakers, and, most importantly, the individuals and communities we serve.

Join Us at the 2026 FOTA Annual Conference

We invite every occupational therapy practitioner, educator, administrator, researcher, and student to join us at the 2026 FOTA Annual Conference, November 7–8, 2026, hosted by the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida.

This year's conference will feature nationally recognized speakers, evidence-based education, legislative updates, leadership development, networking opportunities, student programming, and innovative clinical content designed to inspire and strengthen our profession. Together, we will continue advancing occupational therapy through education, collaboration, advocacy, and innovation while shaping the future of occupational therapy in Florida.

Thank You, FOTA Members

On behalf of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association Board of Directors, thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing occupational therapy throughout our state. Every advocacy success, legislative achievement, regulatory advancement, and practice expansion is possible because of the strength and engagement of our members.

Together, we are building a stronger profession, expanding opportunities for practitioners, improving access to high-quality occupational therapy services, and ensuring that the people of Florida receive the exceptional care they deserve.

We look forward to seeing you this November in St. Augustine as we continue to advocate, collaborate, and lead the future of occupational therapy—together.

Antonette Fernandez OTR/L, DrOT

FOTA President

References

Fernandez, A. (2026, Summer). Advocacy in Action: Advancing Occupational Therapy Across Florida. Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) President's Newsletter.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2024). Federal legislative priorities for occupational therapy. https://www.aota.org/advocacy

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Medicare Advantage program overview. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-plans/medicareadvantage

U.S. Department of Education. (2024). Federal student aid and graduate loan program updates. https://studentaid.gov

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Telehealth policy updates and guidance. https://telehealth.hhs.gov