PRINTER'S NO. 18
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
15
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY BURNS, MILLARD, DUSH, D. COSTA, SONNEY, ROZZI,
HENNESSEY, MURT, R. BROWN, DiGIROLAMO, READSHAW, SAYLOR,
LONGIETTI, McNEILL, SCHLOSSBERG, CALTAGIRONE, NEILSON,
STURLA, BIZZARRO, DEASY, V. BROWN, GOODMAN, WATSON, GILLEN,
WARD, MARSICO AND FREEMAN, JANUARY 23, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JANUARY 23, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2017 as "Occupational Therapy
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Occupational therapy practitioners uniquely assess
and intervene to enable clients to fully participate in their
chosen daily activities, maintain employment or return to work;
and
WHEREAS, Through client-centered assessments, integrated
approaches to plans of care and application of practitioners'
innovative clinical skills, individuals can overcome the effects
of illness, injury or any other condition, including cognitive
impairment, that might otherwise prevent them from living life
to its fullest; and
WHEREAS, A medical model for the clinical practice of
occupational therapy emerged during World War I when, in 1917,
the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction
was established; and
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WHEREAS, The War Department approved the employment of
civilian women known as reconstruction aides, who were
designated as employees at large of the Medical Department; and
WHEREAS, Working as occupational therapists, occupational
therapy aides, teachers, artists and craftspersons,
reconstruction aides provided comprehensive care for injured
soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Occupational therapy educational programs have been
accredited since 1935; and
WHEREAS, Practicing in many ways and in many arenas,
occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants
enable clients to adapt and interact within their home or work
environment; and
WHEREAS, Hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, home health
agencies, schools, clinics, psychiatric facilities, community-
based service centers and nursing homes offer occupational
therapy services in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Increasing numbers of experienced occupational
therapists are transitioning into private practice; and
WHEREAS, Some occupational therapists work solely with
specific disabilities or with certain age groups; and
WHEREAS, Specialties include alcoholism, drug abuse, eating
disorders, mental health and industry-specific injury and pain
management; and
WHEREAS, The American Occupational Therapy Association has
identified six emerging niches in the field; and
WHEREAS, A broader scope of practice related to children and
youths in school includes social participation and mental health
programs for students at risk for bullying and transition
services for older youths with disabilities; and
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WHEREAS, Wellness-related services include prevention and
management of chronic disease; and
WHEREAS, Productive aging focuses on maintaining function and
independence; and
WHEREAS, Rehabilitation, disability and participation is a
key practice enabling individuals to pursue meaningful
activities regardless of condition or setting; and
WHEREAS, Work and industry facilitates work tasks and
addresses adverse work conditions; and
WHEREAS, The effective use of health care resources,
including the skilled interventions of occupational therapists
and occupational therapy assistants, enables individuals to
compensate for functional loss or restore functional capacity
while promoting client-centered goals of wellness and
productivity; and
WHEREAS, The American Occupational Therapy Association and
the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association are observing
the month of April 2017 as "Occupational Therapy Month";
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of April 2017 as "Occupational Therapy Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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