ADVOCACY
One of the many benefits of being involved in SDOTA is staying updated and involved in advocacy efforts to improve the quality of care delivered to our clients. Members of SDOTA can join together to make policy changes in our state through contacting state legislators, coordinating with lobbyists, and collaborating with other state associations. For example, our dedicated members worked with policymakers in 2023 to join the compact act, allowing OTs/OTAs licensed in South Dakota to practice across multiple states. Consider joining SDOTA to stay updated on current and future advocacy endeavors!
A task force is currently forming to advocate for occupational therapists who are certified in dry needling to administer this treatment in South Dakota.
Get Involved in Advocacy
Advocacy is strongest when our profession speaks with one voice. Whether you are a student, OTA, OT, educator, business owner, or clinician, your perspective matters.
We encourage members to share legislative concerns, practice barriers, reimbursement challenges, and policy issues that impact occupational therapy services across South Dakota. Many important advocacy efforts begin with members identifying real challenges happening in daily practice.
If you become aware of legislation, payer policies, licensing concerns, or workplace barriers that may affect occupational therapy practice, we want to hear from you.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Share concerns or policy barriers affecting your practice
- Participate in advocacy task forces or committees
- Help communicate with legislators and stakeholders
- Attend legislative updates and advocacy meetings
- Collaborate on position statements and policy recommendations
- Stay informed and help spread awareness across the profession
Together, we can protect, promote, and advance occupational therapy across South Dakota.
To get involved or share an advocacy concern, please email southdakotaota@gmail.com.
Hear about something that will impact OT practice in our state? Don’t assume someone else has already reported it—let us know. Early awareness helps us respond quickly and effectively.