UAB Department of Occupational Therapy students and faculty joined more than 300 advocates from across the country on September 19 to meet with lawmakers during AOTA Hill Day 2025. The American Occupational Therapy Association’s annual event attracted a record number of attendees. UAB brought one of the larger delegations—16 entry-level OTD students and three faculty. 

For students, it was a chance to participate directly in national policy discussions shaping the profession they are preparing to enter.

“Whether we like it or not, laws, policy, and politics form a large part of the foundation on which our profession stands,” said entry-level OTD student Miles Hardy. “Experiencing advocacy at the national level gave me a clearer understanding of how the process works and a deeper appreciation for how it shapes the possibilities of our future practice.”

Advocates focused on four priorities in meetings with lawmakers:

Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act (H.R. 2013): This bipartisan bill aims to make OT a qualifying, standalone Medicare home health benefit. Right now, home-based OT must be bundled with another home health service, like nursing or physical therapy. The bill would expand access and help more people remain safe and independent at home.

Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act (H.R. 4037): Medicare already covers OT services for people with mental health conditions, but billing barriers and limited awareness of the profession’s role in this area means services are underused. This bill, co-led by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), the only occupational therapist in Congress, would clarify coverage and billing and educate providers, increasing access for people with mental health and substance use disorders.

FY 2026 Labor–HHS–Education funding: AOTA is urging Congress to protect OT priorities in the 2026 Labor–HHS–Education bill to prevent financial aid and program funding cuts that would make OT education less affordable.

Medicare telehealth access: Telehealth waivers for OT are set to expire on September 30, 2025. Advocates urged Congress to extend them, noting their importance in rural and underserved communities. As of press time, AOTA expects that Congress will not act in time to prevent the expiration, and has provided practitioners with some advice for dealing with the lapse. 

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Chris Eidson, PhD, OTR/L, who was among the faculty representing UAB OT, said that the department’s students—one of the largest groups from a single school—made significant contributions at every meeting they attended.

“They were professional and engaging. I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “I think everyone would agree that these are tumultuous times; I came away from the experience feeling a better sense of hope. It was from the meetings, but also from our students.”