The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act (Bill S.4712) seeks to expand access to occupational therapy services for mental and behavioral health disorders under Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). This piece of legislation executes a vision in which "OT is a typical member of behavioral health and mental health interdisciplinary teams. It also creates an opportunity to emphasize the value benefit of OT beyond addressing only physical health needs" (AOTA, 2022, para. 2).

Removing the barriers to the provision of OT services under CMS will allow recipients to access OT services more readily and be evaluated and treated for behavioral health challenges that can impact functional skills and hinder participation in daily activities. The policy will also help to address the current shortage of behavioral health professionals within the US, and open up opportunities for OT practitioners to work within various MH health settings where there presence is currently not guaranteed.

Occupational therapists bring a unique skillset to this population and their families, and could improve the rates of recovery through effective treatment approaches that support independence, quality of life, social interaction, improved coping, identifying new leisure, and training in life skills.

Please join me in supporting the momentum of Bill S.4712.

References:

AOTA. (2022). Aota.org https://www.aota.org/advocacy-news/2022/ot-mental-health-parity-act?utm_source=Inbound%20082522%20 Plus-%20Prospects

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4712/text