Touro students with Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway).
Touro students with Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway).
Touro students with Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway).

Touro College School of Health Sciences occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and occupational therapy (OT) students visited Albany recently with the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA). Their goal was to raise awareness among elected officials about the occupational therapy profession at all levels and the role of OTAs in upcoming healthcare legislation impacting the profession. In addition to the healthcare legislation, currently there are bills pending that address OTA licensure in New York State, OT and OTA practice and coverage. The students were accompanied by Professors Julie Kardachi and Ramona Guthrie of the School of Health Sciences. Among the issues discussed with legislators were updates to the New York State Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Regulations, and implications of the proposed healthcare budget. Students met with Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I-Brooklyn); staff members of Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick (D-Manhattan); and on the Senate chamber floor spoke with Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-Buffalo), himself an OT. With students in attendance, Senator Kennedy addressed the chamber on the value of OT practitioners to New Yorkers. v

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