How do I contact OTAC?

You can contact OTAC at info@otacco.org. At this time, emails are checked by the Executive Director primarily Wednesday-Friday. 

How do I find an answer to my practice question?

OTAC receives many questions from OT practitioners about practice regulations. OTAC is not able to provide any legal advice or interpretation of practice regulations. Please review the Colorado OT Practice Act and the information on the OT page of DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) from the links on the DORA information page and the Practice FAQ page.

• DRY NEEDLING - Please click here for most recent updates!
• DIRECT ACCESS - OTAC's understanding of current regulations is that Colorado does not have direct access specifically mentioned in statute for any healthcare profession in the state. And also does not have specific referral requirements outlined in statute. Therefore, by default, individuals have the ability to self refer to any health professional (OT, PT, MD, etc.). However, many insurers require referrals for reimbursement and that would be determined by the individual's insurance policy. Employers may also have policies that require referral. For Medicare and Medicaid you will need to abide by federal and state regulations for those programs.
• PROVISIONAL LICENSURE: Colorado does NOT have a provisional licensure option for OT/OTA students who have completed their studies but have not yet passed the NBCOT exam. To practice in Colorado you must first pass the NBCOT exam and then apply for licensure to practice. More information can be found on the DORA information and Practice FAQ page referenced above.
• OT INTERSTATE COMPACT: OTAC helped pass the OT Interstate Compact bill in 2021. The Compact is not active yet. This bill will not replace the need to obtain Colorado OT license to practice in Colorado.  The bill will make it easier to obtain a license if you already have a license in another compact state. All OT practitioners in Colorado must obtain a Colorado license and follow the Colorado OT Practice Act Regulations. Read more about the OT Interstate Compact here!
  
  

You may also contact DORA directly with your question here.

We also recommend contacting AOTA if your question relates to a national practice issue.

Will OTAC share my student surveys?

OTAC  will share local Colorado student survey's via our weekly Monday newsletters. OTAC will not sure other state surveys due to high volume of requests. Students are also welcome to post in our discussion boards.

Who can join OTAC?

Anyone can join OTAC. OT professionals, students and retirees are encouraged to join! Associate memberships are also available to businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting OT and networking with OTAC members.

How do I become a member of OTAC?

Click here: "Join/renew" and select your OT membership type (OT, OTA, OTS, Retired OT).

How long is my membership?

OT, OTA, Associate, and Retired memberships last one calendar year from the date of joining.  You will receive email reminders when your membership is up for renewal. Click here to learn more about OTAC membership benefits & click here to join!

I am a practitioner (OT/OTA) and going back to school. Can I get a student membership?

We follow AOTA membership practices. Therefore, you have two options. One to change to a student status but as a student member you would not be able to receive contact hours for any educational activities you attend, including the conference. Or, if you would like to still have access to earn contact hours then registering as an OT/OTA would be the choice to make. OTAC is happy to have you as a member whatever choice you would like to make! If you would like to switch to a student membership please email us and we can change your membership for you!

I'm considering OT practitioner as a career and I would like to gain more exposure to networking with OT professionals. What is the best way to connect? 

We invite you to attend an event listed on our calendar or reach out to us to help connect you with a committee chairperson, district leader, or special interest group leader.  Please contact us at info@otacco.org and we will help direct you!  Another option is to sign up for an Associate membership to receive access to network with other members. Associate members receive OTAC emails that will help you stay up to day about activities to help you connect with OT Professionals.

How do I get more involved with OTAC?

We would love to have your involvement! There are many roles that people can fill within the association based on interests and availability. Involvement may range from serving on the board to working as a committee member on a specific project. All levels of experience are welcome. To find out more, contact us at info@otacco.org or view our volunteer opportunities located under the webpage heading "Engage" - "Volunteer Opportunities" on our homepage. 

Do I have to volunteer if I join?

You do not have to volunteer but many opportunities are available if you are interested!

Where do my dues go?

Your dues support our primary expense of advocacy and legislative efforts on behalf of occupational therapy practice in the state of Colorado. This includes the annual expense of $30,000 for our two amazing lobbyists, Steve Balcerovich and Tim Coleman. Our lobbyists help us monitor important legislation affecting OT practice, update our state practice act (due for renewal 2030), and guide us in drafting legislation and providing testimony in the state legislature. They also guide our advocacy efforts with payer sources and state agencies.

OTAC is the ONLY association in Colorado that advocates for you in public policy, and with stakeholders, insurers, employers, and the general public.

Thank you for investing in the future of OT practice in Colorado by becoming a member!

Can I attend a board meeting?

Attendance at OTAC board meetings is considered an OTAC member benefit, however, we invite guests to attend! All meetings are held through Zoom and links are posted on the website. Please identify yourself as a guest when attending.

I'm a member of another state OT association and I am moving to Colorado. Can I transfer my membership?

YES! If you are transferring from another affiliated state association, OTAC will accept your membership for the remainder of the fiscal year. Please email info@otacco.org for more information. You will be required to provide a letter from the President or Membership Chair of the affiliated state association that includes your membership type and when your membership expires. 

If I'm a member of another state association can I join your events?
Yes! We honor other disciplines and OT state associations memberships & you can access OTAC member discounts by emailing info@otacco.org with proof of membership!

How do I obtain my membership card?

Membership cards to download are located in your member profile. Receipts of purchase of membership are sent via email. If you have other questions please contact info@otacco.org.

Does OTAC organize an annual conference?

Yes! The OTAC Annual Conference that is typically held in the fall. You can learn more about our upcoming conference or past conferences under the Engage tab.

What is a 501(c)(6) Member Association?

• A  tax-exempt organization, meaning it does not pay federal income tax on its earnings.
• OTAC is considered a business league because it represents and promotes the common business interests of members.
  
• Ability to advocate for the industry as a 501(c)(6) organization, OTAC has the legal right to engage in lobbying and advocacy efforts to influence legislation and policies that impact the occupational therapy profession. 
• • OTAC cannot raise money for candidates or Political Action Committees (PAC's) or support Labor Unions 
  • OTAC is bi-partisan and cannot publicly endorse candidates or endorse or make public statements about controversial political topics. 
  • OTAC can re-share AOTA statements as AOTA is the official voice of the profession.
• 501(c)(6) organizations provide valuable networking events, educational programs, and professional development resources for their members, fostering professional connections and growth.