The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association is pleased to announce that Call for Paper submissions are now being accepted for our 2019 Fall Conference, held on September 20-21, in Phoenix, Arizona.

ArizOTA is looking for dynamic speakers who will present on various aspects of occupational therapy, such as emerging practice areas, new evidence-based practice guidelines, and assessment and intervention strategies for individuals across the lifespan.

You may access the Call for Papers form by clicking the following link. The deadline to submit is June 30th.

Click here for the submission form

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ArizOTA Members:

The Legislature has now completed nearly ninety-three days of session. The parking lot is less crowded and floor calendars are light—but that appearance is deceptive, as lawmakers have taken action on several critical bills over the past week or so, including a rapid move to repeal a portion of a decades-old law relating to HIV/AIDS education at the center of a lawsuit alleging discrimination against LGBTQ youth. The House also approved modifications to cosmetology licensing, and the governor celebrated the signing of a bill offering occupational licensing reciprocity to out-of-state professionals who relocate to Arizona. The first stage of budget negotiations – the so-called “small group” meetings – are just now starting, reviving hopes that session could wrap before May (although that remains unlikely).

Below is the most significant update of particular interest to ArizOTA:

Occupational Licensing

Last week, Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation making Arizona the first state in the country to accept out-of-state occupational licenses. The passage of HB 2569, which received bipartisan support in both chambers, represents the fulfillment of a top policy priority announced in the governor’s State of the State address earlier this year.

Under the new law, Arizona's licensing boards and commissions will recognize out-of-state occupational licenses for people who:

• have been licensed in their profession for at least one year,
• are in good standing in all states where they are licensed (no past or pending investigations or complaints),
• pay applicable Arizona fees, and
• meet all residency, testing, and background check requirements.

This law, however, does not recognize other states’ occupational licenses automatically. For example, workers licensed in other states who move to Arizona still must apply for a license through the appropriate Arizona licensing board before working. The board will be required to verify that an individual is in good standing in all states where they are licensed, and individuals seeking to work in occupations that require a background check, such as nurses and behavioral health professionals, will still need to complete those background checks. In addition, professionals receiving licenses under the new law can only become licensed in practice within areas they have been trained and certified to practice in their original state. Once cleared by respective licensing boards, workers will not be required to duplicate training and other requirements that often delay the licensure process. Occupations affected by this legislation include barbers, behavioral health professionals, chiropractors, contractors, cosmetologists, dentists, real estate agents, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physicians, respiratory therapists, and veterinarians, among others.

How this will impact OT specifically:

•  An occupational therapist who is licensed in, let’s say, Nevada moves to Arizona. Before she can start seeing patients, she must first apply for a license through the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. The Board will then verify that she is in good standing in Nevada, has been licensed for at least one year, and will conduct a background check (A.R.S. § 32-3430 requires that the Board perform a state and federal criminal records check pursuant to A.R.S. §41-1750 and Public Law 92-544). Assuming all criteria are met, she will then, under state licensure, be permitted to begin seeing patients in Arizona—without having to complete the 928 hours of supervised fieldwork “as determined by the supervising institution, organization or sponsor” (as required for licensure under A.R.S. § 32-3423).
  •  Note: It is my understanding that all states require applicants for licensure to pass the NBCOT exam. Assuming this is correct, that aspect of reciprocity should not create any concerns.
• The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, as the regulating entity, will maintain authority in respect to enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations for OTs in Arizona. Going back to the hypothetical situation with the OT who moves from Nevada to Arizona—she will be required to comply with all laws, rules and regulations for OTs in Arizona. The fact that she was originally licensed in Nevada is irrelevant once she is here in Arizona.
• This will not affect direct access or anything currently established in OT rules in Arizona.
• Credentialing is a separate issue.
• Regarding jurisprudence—under the new law, the regulating entity that administers an examination on laws in Arizona as part of its licensure process (e.g., physical therapists) will still have the authority to require an applicant to take and pass an examination specific to Arizona law. Note: while this does not apply to OTs (as the Board does not administer an examination on laws in Arizona as part of the OT licensure process), several members have asked for general edification as to how this could affect PTs.

See the following link for a bill tracking a list of legislation we are monitoring for ArizOTA: https://www.arizota.org/documents/ArizOTA_Triadvocates_Legislative_Update_4-16-19.pdf

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please let us know.

The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association will be having its Annual Spring Conference on March 23rd in beautiful Tucson, Arizona! Click here for more information!!

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OTs Role in Pelvic Health
Presented by: Melissa Lee, OTR/L and Linda Rudd, OTR/L

When: November 10th, 2018

Time: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM (2.5 CEU’s)

Where: OptimaLiving - 8506 W. Deer Valley Rd., #105, Peoria, AZ 85382

Cost: $30 for members, $60 for non-members. If registering as a non-member, a coupon code will be emailed to you that will apply $30 towards the cost of your annual membership. Please note that this code is valid for use through December 1st, 2018.

Additional Info: Snacks will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mats. Yoga mats can be purchased for an additional $30 via online registration.

Read more: ArizOTA’s Neuro SIS Education Course

Registration is now open for our 2018 Fall Conference on Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Phoenix, AZ. Two tracks will be offered, with each track providing a total of 15.5 contact hours for both days.

One and Two-Day registrations are available. Sign up soon to take advantage of our early bird registration discount, which will be valid through 8/31. Non-members, your 2018/19 membership is included with your registration!

We are also offering a $25 discount for groups of 3 or more practitioners  (students are excluded due to the already discounted rates). Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the practitioner names, credentials, email addresses.

*Please note that only one discount (early bird or group) may be used for one-day registrations..

Read more: 2018 Annual Fall Conference

Dear OT's, OTA's, and OT Students,

The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association will be having its Annual Fall Conference on September 21st and 22nd at:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale
4415 E. Paradise Village Parkway S.
Phoenix, AZ 85032

We will be having two tracks for both adults and pediatrics. Please stay posted for details on speakers, registration, and discounts!

Spots for Poster Presentations are still available! If you or a colleague is interested in presenting for this conference, please fill out the following form: Poster Submission

If you have any questions please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We look forward to seeing you there!

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New conference opportunity to reveal the ART, as well as the SCIENCE of OT practice!

The Artisans' Silent Auction will be held during our Annual Fall Conference (dates TBD, but will be on Fri/Sat in September of this year). Please donate items to benefit two critical needs for the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association:

• Expand our current scholarships to help more Arizona servant-leader students complete their studies (to grow our professional community)
• Promote occupational therapy with key stakeholders and decision-makers in Arizona

Click For More Information: Artists' Festival & Silent Auction

Please contact Pat Crist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information about being a silent auction donor.

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In honor of Occupational Therapy Month, NAU and ArizOTA are pleased to present a conversation with Jean K. Ehlers, one of the inaugural Occupational Therapists in Arizona. Ms. Ehlers was instrumental to the growth of the field in our state, opening many programs and serving in leadership of ArizOTA.

ArizOTA is offering 1 CEU for attendance at the event.

When: Tuesday, April 3rd from 4:30-6:00
Where: NAU's Phoenix Biomedical Campus - 435 N 5th St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

Seating is limited, so please view our flyer and reserve a spot today!

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The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association is now accepting Call for Paper submissions for our Annual 2018 Fall Conference.

Location and dates are still being finalized, but it will be held on either September 14th and 15th, or September 21st and 22nd. 

ArizOTA is looking for dynamic speakers who will present about various aspects of occupational therapy, such as emerging practice areas, new evidence based practice guidelines, and assessment and intervention strategies for individuals across the lifespan.

Applicants may select to present a one-hour presentation, two-hour short course, half-day, full-day or poster presentation.

You may access the Call for Papers form by clicking the following link:

Fall Call for Papers Submission

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Please join the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association for our Spring Conference on Saturday, March 24, at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern Arizona in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Read more...

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The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association is now accepting Call for Paper submissions for our Annual 2018 Spring Conference, which will be held Saturday, March 24th, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona.

ArizOTA is looking for dynamic speakers who will present about various aspects of occupational therapy, such as emerging practice areas, new evidence based practice guidelines, and assessment and intervention strategies for individuals across the lifespan.

Applicants may select to present a one-hour presentation, two-hour short course, half-day, full-day or poster presentation.

You may access the Call for Papers form by clicking the following link:

Call for Papers Submission Form

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November 28, 2017

Dear AOTA Members of Arizona!

The Representative Assembly, the professional standards and policy setting body of AOTA, recently conducted business during a Spring meeting. For information on the outcomes of that meeting, please read the meeting summary located on the AOTA website at https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/Get-Involved/RA.aspx. Go to the link “Read the Final Motions and Changes from the Spring 2017 RA Meeting”.

As your AOTA representative, I invite you to become engaged in the work of the Assembly by working with me to propose motions on professional standards and policy within the purview of the RA, and/or to seek opportunities to become a member of the RA in an upcoming election.

It is my pleasure to serve as your AOTA representative and I am happy to assist you in answering any questions you might have about the work of the RA and how we can work together to support the profession.

Sincerely,
Lara Taggart MS, OTR/L
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The following information is being provided for ArizOTA members as initial guidance from AHCCCS.  Updated information will be provided as it becomes available. Please refer to the ArizOTA contact information posted on this website.

Read more...

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ArizOTA is proud to announce the results of the 2017-2018 Board of Directors Election. Thank you to the members who ran for each position as well as those who voted for their colleagues. Position terms begin as of July 1st, 2017.

1 Year Member at Large (2 Seats)

• Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L
• Kharah Lombaridi, OTR/L

2 Year Member at Large (1 Seat)

• Cuyler Romeo, M.O.T., OTR/L, SCFES, CLC

ArizOTA would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing members who served in these positions. Thank you to Patricia Crist, Ph.D., OTR, PC, FAOTA (1 Year Member at Large); Sara J. Stephenson, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR (1 Year Member at Large); and Charlotte Satterwaite, MHA/Ed., COTA/L (2 Year Member at Large).

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The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association would like to share with its members an update from AOTA regarding federal legislation that has potential negative impact for occupational therapy services in Arizona. "AOTA believes that certain provisions of the BCRA would jeopardize sources of funding and guarantees of coverage for occupational therapy services that help people across the lifespan achieve health, functioning, and independence. The plan to restructure the Medicaid program goes much farther than repealing and replacing the health care reform law enacted in 2010. By changing Medicaid from an open-ended guarantee to a capped or block granted program, the BCRA has the potential to affect millions of children, adults with serious disabilities, people receiving home and community based services, seniors in nursing homes, and kids getting therapy services in schools.

Read more: AOTA Statement on Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA)

Attention all OT's, OTA's, and OT Students,

On Friday May 12th Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a $9.8 billion state budget. Included in this budget were the provisions in our SB1030 bill, which will provide outpatient occupational therapy services for adults on AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid Program). This is the first time in Arizona's history that this service will be covered! Congratulations to everyone! This is a big win for occupational therapy and the state of Arizona.

The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA) worked hard with Senator Nancy Barto, who sponsored our bill, to pass this legislation. Through our legislative committee and lobbying activities we were able to monitor and assist in gaining support for this bill. We would therefore like to sincerely thank Senator Barto for her support and our legislative committee. Please write, call, or email her office to send your appreciation.

For more information, click here to view our lobbyist's report on the bill.

We would also like to thank each and every one of you who contacted your state senators and house representatives to educate and urge support for this bill. Without you we may have not seen this legislation pass.

ArizOTA will now be assisting in the implementation of this legislation and we will be working hard for you. The main goal of your state association is to support you and the great work that you do everyday in this great state. We use the funds that we receive to help protect and promote the benefits of occupational therapy.

We therefore we need your support! If you are a member of the association thank you for your continued support. If you are not a member but thinking of becoming one I strongly urge you to join and assist in the next part of this legislative process. You can easily sign up online by clicking the link below.

https://www.arizota.org/membership/online-application

Thank you for your time and as always if you have any questions or comments please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sincerely,
Benjamin Gross OTR/L, ArizOTA President

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SB1030 has passed the Senate floor and will be moving to the House of Representatives. The roll call was 26 (in favor) - 3 (not in favor) - 1 (not voting). Please click the link below to find the breakdown of senators who supported/did not support the bill.

https://legiscan.com/AZ/rollcall/SB1030/id/580590

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UPDATE January 31st, 2017
SB1030 has passed the Senates Appropriations Committee. The roll call was 8 (in favor) - 1 (not in favor) - 1 (not voting). Please click the link below to find the breakdown of senators who supported/did not support the bill.

https://legiscan.com/AZ/rollcall/SB1030/id/573914

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The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association with the support of Senator Nancy Barto introduced senate bill 1030.

• This bill requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) contractors to include occupational therapy in provided outpatient health services for adults.
• On January 18th, 2017 the Senates Health and Human Services Committee voted 6-1 in support of the bill.
• The bill still requires to go through more committees in order to become law.

How can you help?

• Educate yourself on the bill. To view the bill and fact sheet please visit our website at https://www.arizota.org/legislation/state
• Stay up to date on where the bill is in the legislative processes by using the following link. https://legiscan.com/AZ/bill/SB1030/2017
• Everyones help is needed to support this bill. We urge you to contact your Senators to review and support this bill. Please do not contact house members as the bill has not reached the house yet.
• Get to know your Senator first either online or their platform, discuss common ground and what you can possibly help them with, mention the bill and how importance it is with the impact for healthcare, ask for an email address if you don't already have one to send them.
• Providing personal stories such as rural challenges, lack of PTs to address specific areas ADLS of stroke patients, traumatic hand injuries, etc... would be incredibly helpful.
• To find your state senator please follow the link below and enter your address. http://azredistricting.org/districtlocator/

Please watch your emails and the ArizOTA website for updates and any call to action.

Thank you

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Voting began on January 10th, 2017 and closes on January 31st, 2017. You can view all of the candidates here: http://ow.ly/we8n3078Jaf. ArizOTA would like to recognize the AZ practitioners running this year. Debbie Hines for AOTA Treasure, Cuyler M. Romero for RA, Emily Schulz for RA, and Lara Taggart for RA.

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Are you interested in gaining hands-on splinting experience while also learning about its appropriateness for your clients with neurologically based hand impairments? ArizOTA’s Neuro SIS Group is hosting a course that will provide both splinting practice and learning opportunities on January 21, 2017 from 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at A.T. Still University.  Hurry, registration is limited so click here for more information and to register.

Title: SPLINTING the Neurologically Impaired Hand by Tania Shearon, MOT, CHT, PYT-C
Assistant Professor A.T. Still University

When: January 21, 2017

Where:
A.T. Still University
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
480.219.6000
-The room is Mogollon on the second floor of the main building.

Schedule:
8am -8:30am Registration
8:30am -12:30pm workshop

Description: We will be making 3 or 4 splints including: oval 8's, Intrinsic -, C-bar, and a resting hand splint- all useful for the neurologically impaired hand, We will discuss material, strapping and problem solve the difficult scenarios including deformities and abnormal tone.

Cost: $50.00 includes, materials, fabrication and light mid-morning refreshments. Registration Limited -Minimum 10 to 18 Maximum registrants. CEU's available.

Click here to register!

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Hello ArizOTA members,

Thank you to those of you who responded to our recent OTA survey. We've received over 500 responses and would like to share the preliminary results with you.

Click here to view the preliminary results.

Thank you again for your input!

If you have any questions regarding the results or if you are an ArizOTA member and would like the full data set of the survey please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Dear Arizona Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants,

It's July and time to renew/join the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association today! Our membership runs on the fiscal year from July 1st - June 30th. Why Join? We Need YOU!

• Support your profession and your local colleagues
• Enhance your resume
  • Great statewide leadership opportunities
  • Professional networking
• Discounted Rates for continuing education courses
  • Save the Date our fall conference will be held at NAU Biomedical Campus in Phoenix on September 23rd and 24th.
• Special Interest Sections
• Legislation and lobbying - monitoring licensure and health care legislation.
• Access to
  • Job Postings
  • ArizOTA quarterly newsletter

Reasonable Membership Fee:

• OTR – AOTA Member ($60)
• OTR – Non-AOTA Member ($65)
• OTA – AOTA Member ($55)
• OTA – Non-AOTA Member ($60)
• Sustaining - AOTA Member ($80)
• Sustaining - Non-AOTA Member ($105)
• OTS / OTAS – AOTA Member ($25)
• OTS / OTAS – Non-AOTA Member ($30)
• Associate ($130)
• Retired ($25)

You can sign up online, over the phone, or mail in your registration. For more information visit www.ArizOTA.org or contact us at:

ArizOTA
P.O. Box 11803
Glendale, AZ 85318
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 623-937-0920
Fax: 623-937-0920

Exhibitor and Sponsorship opportunities for ArizOTA's 2016 Fall Conference on September 23rd and 24th are now available. We have created a new online format where vendors can sign up and pay online. The benefits of being a sponsor and/or exhibitor include the following:

Sponsorship Includes:

• Name & Logo on ArizOTA website
• Recognition on social media
• Recognition in conference program
• Recognition in quarterly electronic newsletter
• All electronic recognition will include a link to your website

Cost: $200
________________________________

Exhibitor Booth Includes:

• Exhibitor booth at the Fall Conference

Cost: $400
________________________________

VIP Sponsorship Includes:

• Full Sponsorship
• Exhibitor Booth

Cost: $600
________________________________

 **Non-Profit Organizations are eligible to receive a discount on sponsorship and exhibitor fees. Other limited discounts may also be available. Please contact Stacey Zondlo to inquire about special rates at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please click here to sign up today before spots run out.

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SB1305 is a proposed bill that is currently being proposed at the state capitol that would cover occupational services for outpatient adult AHCCCS patients. As you already know the passing of this bill would be a historic triumph for OT's and OTA's all around the state to start working with the adult AHCCCS population that can benefit greatly from our services. Please visit our legislative section to obtain more information and see how you can become more involved.

Read more...

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We are pleased to announce ArizOTA's student internship program! If you are a current OT/OTA student member you are eligible for this internship program. This opportunity will  allow you to work closely with an ArizOTA Board Member and/or Committee Members on the functions and day to day tasks for the assigned internship position.

Benefits of this program include the following:

• Covered registration cost to the spring and fall conference (pay for food only)
• Free membership for the first year once licensed within the state of Arizona
• Attendance to Special Interest Sections events
• Certificate of Appreciation at the Fall Conference
• Potential for letter of recommendation/referral for employment

For more information please visit the student section of our website to fill out an application. Upon completion one of our board/committee members will reach out to you for further assistance.

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