Occupational therapy practitioners have long been recognized as critical providers of home health care; however, Medicare regulations do not permit occupational therapists to open home health therapy cases even when included in an
initial plan of care.

The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act (S. 1725/H.R.3127) would specifically allow occupational therapists of home health agencies the flexibility to use the most clinically appropriate skilled service to open cases (by conducting the required initial and comprehensive assessments). It would not alter in any way Medicare’s criteria for establishing eligibility for the home health benefit, or the need for a nurse to open a home health case that includes nursing services.

Physical therapy and speech therapy can currently implement these services without extra regulation. This bill will confirm that occupational therapists are competent and certified to do this as well. 

Please refer to the video attached.

References:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3127?s=1&r=6#:~:text=%2F05%2F2019)-,Medicare%20Home%20Health%20Flexibility%20Act,home%20health%20services%20under%20Medicare​

https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Advocacy/Federal/Hill-Day/2019/Medicare-Home-Health-Flexibility-Act-One-Pager.pdf