Updated May 17, 2013 - From Maureen Mulhall, ILOTA Lobbyist

I am beyond happy to announce that HB 2996 passed the Senate last evening.  It passed with 48 yes votes, 1 present and several Senators not voting.  I don’t quite understand that roll call but none the less the bill passed with a substantial majority.  That will be great news for the Communique.

Previous Annoucements - March 25, 2013

Great news!! -

H.B. 2996 - the Occupational Therapy Sunset bill was amended as we had requested and UNANIMOUSLY passed out of the Healthcare Licensing Committee!!  Thank you all for your calls and support!! 

The next step in the process is for the bill to be introduced to the floor of the House for the second reading.  We are not out of the woods yet, but this is the next step and is exactly the outcome we wanted today.  The bill can still be opposed or have language critiqued by other Associations (Med Society, Nursing Assn., you name it), and we will continue to keep you abreast of developments as well as work with any groups that take issue with any part of the bill. 

The legislature will be in session for the next two weeks and then off for a two week spring break (the last week of March and first week of April).  During that time, it would be VERY beneficial to schedule meetings with your House Representative in his/her home office.  You can call and make an appointment to meet with him/her (listing of legislators and home office addresses/phone numbers available at www.ilga.gov).  Take advantage of a great opportunity to really introduce yourself and your role as an OT practitioner and the difference you make in the healthcare system, as well as a client's life! 

We will send more information as these dates approach, and we will include introductory materials, do's/don't's, etc., so don't worry about that now, but see if you can get on their docket when they will be less busy than they are in Springfield!!

Again, regardless of your availability during those weeks, please reach out to your House legislator.  (The bill will not be introduced in the Senate until it passes the House, and we will surely let you know when that happens!)  Thank you for your support this week and your continued support as we stand up together and advocate for OT practice! 

Sincerely, 

Rachel Dargatz (Director of Advocacy) and