AOTA

Leslie L. Jackson, MEd, OT/L, FAOTA; Tim Nanof, MSW; and Patricia Bowyer, EdD, MS, OTR, FAOTA

Abstract
Occupational therapy plays an important role in schools and early intervention programs. Payment for these services is a critical issue for providers, school and program administrators, and parents. Recent health care reform changes present both opportunities and challenges for school-based and early intervention practitioners who want to ensure ongoing access to services in these settings. This article describes the potential impact of health care reform on both the availability of and coverage for occupational therapy services for children and youth in school and early intervention settings, with a particular emphasis on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010).

Learning Objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:

1. Recognize the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on school-based and early intervention practice.
2. Differentiate the key aspects of the ACA relative to occupational therapy practice with children.
3. Identify the differences between habilitation and rehabilitation and how the ACA affects related coverage.
4. Identify the importance of physical and mental health for children’s learning and development.

Learning Level: Intermediate

Target audience: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistant

Content: Category 3: Professional Issues – Legal, Legislative, Regulatory & Reimbursement Issues

Reference Information:
Jackson, L., Nanof, T., Bowyer, P., (2013). Health Care Reform and School-Based and Early Intervention Practice. OT Practice, 18(1), CE-1–CE-8