What is Hill Day at the Capitol?

Here is Google's answer...

Hill Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg is a focused advocacy event where representatives from organizations, associations, or interest groups gather to meet directly with state legislators and their staff. These events, often spanning a full day, aim to influence state policy by presenting research, sharing personal stories, and advocating for specific legislative priorities, such as funding for higher education, mental health services, or industry-specific regulations.

Here is my answer...

It's a day that you sacrifice waiting outside in a cold, 45 minute security line so that you can experience empowerment at a political level. There as so few of us that get to sit in the chamber of congress and vote for policies that we believe in. This is a small way that ordinary people can come face to face with their representatives to share their lived-experience.

I'm not going to lie, it was awkward at times, these senators and representatives have advocacy groups coming at them left and right, along with their typical budget meetings and constituent complaints. So it may not feel that the politicians truly care about your cause right at this moment, however it is still worth it.

Speaking out is powerful, especially to those who may not understand your points of view. This was a safe place to voice concerns and make connections. I am sick of hearing myself complain about healthcare! Educating myself about the relevant laws affecting the occupational therapy field and then speaking candidly tp representatives was a way to channel some of that negative, complaining energy.

Here is a recap of what Pennsylvania occupational therapists from all over the state were advocating for:

• The Occupational Therapy Compact Act, SB 571

  This bill allows OTs in PA to practice across state lines without having to carry multiple state licenses. This is a huge step in providing increased access to occupational therapy in MD, DE, OH, WV, which are neighboring states that have passed this Act. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a decrease in OTs and other healthcare practitioners around the nation. The same is true in Pennsylvania. Passing this Act would not only increase the amount of practitioners that could practice in PA, it would also allow for increased access to more OT via telehealth.

• Protecting Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice

  OTs have to now get at least a Master's degree to practice, some are opting for a Doctoral degree. With all of this training, OT's have knowledge and skill to ensure client/patient/resident safety and improved function, which other professions do not have. Professions that we love to collaborate with, but do not have the training to provide what OT services can provide, include: Chiropractic Assistant, Music Therapist, and Recreational Therapist.

• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, HB 1925

  This is a bill that is being developed. The Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) generally supports this bill, but has concerns with the amount of additional documentation and complaince requirements. We do not want to spend more of our time filling out paperwork and documenting, which is the way healthcare is moving. We want to spend our time helping those that need us. AI should make it easier for us as OTs to do that. That is why it is important for OT practitioners to be included in ongoing policy decisions concerning this bill.

• Expanding Access to Therapies Bill

  This is a proposed bill that affects our early-intervention and community-based providers. Support of this bill would expand access to early intervention therapies that are in high demand. Due to federal cuts in SNAP, Head Start, and Pre-K Counts, the demand in PA continues to rise. This bill will deliver much needed funds to ensure that the PA population can continue to benefit from early-intervention and community-based programs without having to wait for an extensive time.

A special shout-out to the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA). They worked hard to organize and assist OTs from all over PA to fight for important legislation. There were OTs from all corners of Pennsylvania which was truly amazing. I only had to travel 8 minutes, when some traveled over 8 hours. I encourage local OT's to get involved with POTA's Hill Day, which occures in the Fall and Spring. Join POTA to help support your profession and also meet other cool OTs :-)