Who we are:

The Mission of NYSOTA

The New York State Occupational Therapy Association is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of New York dedicated to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession and to the improvement of the quality of occupational therapy services.

Representing over 1000 members, NYSOTA strives to:

• Support professional ethics and discipline.
• Promote the standing of occupational therapy as a viable profession in New York State.
• Foster the highest capability of occupational therapy practitioners to meet the need of changes in society and health care provisions.
• Advance research, education, and evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.

History and Purpose

Occupational therapists in New York State first joined together in 1917 when The Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy was formed in Clifton Springs. In 1921 the Society became The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and it remained in New York until 1972. The New York State Association of Occupational Therapists was created in 1926 at the Russell Sage Foundation in New York City. In 1958 the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) reorganized into districts, with 1960 marking its year of incorporation. There has been tremendous change and growth since the early days. Today, NYSOTA is over 1100 members strong, and continues to proudly promote the field of occupational therapy in New YorkState.

Licensure

New York was one of the first states to successfully pass an occupational therapy Licensure statute (1975). In order to practice occupational therapy in New York State one must be a NYS licensed occupational therapist or a NYS certified occupational therapy assistant. Licenses are issued by the Board of Regents, under Title VIII of the New York State Education Law. The Board of Regents, a citizen body, is in charge of education, licensing and discipline of the professions. Upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Education, the Regents appoint the state's Occupational Therapy Board. This Board advises the Commissioner and Regents on matters related to Licensure and discipline, and communicates to the profession and the public.

National Affiliation

As stated in the The NYSOTA bylaws, Article I, Section 2: It (NYSOTA) shall be associated with The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc .  As a not-for-profit, non-tax exempt corporation, NYSOTA is a strong and active affiliate of AOTA. Although the two are separate organizations, most NYSOTA members are also members of AOTA. 

Organization

The NYSOTA central office serves as a focal point for telephone and written communications with NYSOTA members, officers and committee chairs, AOTA, other state associations, community and state agencies, professional colleagues, the NYSOTA lobbyist, occupational therapy schools, consumers and the public.

For the ease of management, member accessibility, and recognition of the differences in local needs and resources, NYSOTA is divided into eight districts. Each district elects its own chairperson and officers, and sets its own goals within the framework of NYSOTA's bylaws.

The NYSOTA Executive Board is composed of four officers and a president-elect, the eight district chairpersons, the AOTA representatives or their alternates, the newsletter editor, the nominations chairperson, and the legislation chairperson. Individuals representing special interest groups report to the NYSOTA Board. The Board meets regularly throughout the year.

Legislation

Legislation has been a recognized concern of NYSOTA since the state's practice act was passed in 1975. The legislation committee works closely with NYSOTA's lobbyist and attorney, tracking legislation that impacts upon occupational therapy practice. The committee's efforts were critical in facilitating occupational therapy reimbursement under Worker's Compensation. Currently, NYSOTA is working on state legislation to amend the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. The amendments include mandatory continuing competency requirements.