Bill Recognizing Occupational Therapy Practitioners as Mental Health Professionals Reintroduced in Congress

Legislation recognizing occupational therapy practitioners as mental health professionals, the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act (H. R. 3150/S. 1578), has been reintroduced in the new 117th Congress. The legislation would create a program to provide loan forgiveness to mental health professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners, if they work in a mental health professional shortage area. 

When this bill was first introduced in the 115th Congress, occupational therapy was not included on the list of eligible mental health professions. AOTA and occupational therapy practitioners used every opportunity to educate members of Congress and their staff on the crucial role of occupational therapy in mental health and advocate for inclusion in the legislation. When the bill was reintroduced in the 116th Congress by then-Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), Senator Murkowski (R-AK), Representative Katko (R-NY), and Representative Napolitano (D-CA), they added occupational therapy to the list of mental health professions. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) is now the lead Senate Democrat, while the other lead sponsors remain the same. 

If this legislation becomes law, it would help people access the mental health care they need, even if they live in a mental health professionals shortage area. It would also provide support for new occupational therapy practitioner graduates taking positions within mental health settings.  

In addition to the needed assistance for practitioners, if signed into law this would be the first federal law to include occupational therapy within a statutory definition of mental health provider. Passage of this bill would provide a tremendous boost to AOTA’s efforts to support state and local efforts to expand opportunities and reimbursement for occupational therapy in mental health.  

Congress has been considering proposals to address the increased mental health workforce needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to both the strain the pandemic has placed on providers, as well as the greater need for mental health services among the population. This legislation would benefit our nation as a whole, as well as occupational therapy as a profession. Please ask Congress to support the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act using AOTA's Legislative Action Center today.