Iowa Occupational Therapy Association

02/10/2026

We've been having such a great time representing Iowa at the Conference!! 🙌

15/09/2026

📣 Great news — early bird registration has been extended for the 2026 MOTA/NOTA/IOTA Joint Conference!

Join occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students from Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska for Building Community: Harnessing the Power of OT in the Heartland this October in Kansas City!

📅 October 2–3, 2026
📍 MCC Penn Valley | Kansas City, Missouri

There are now even more ways to participate on your schedule:

⭐ Extended Early Bird Rates — More time to secure the best pricing for full conference access
⭐ NEW 1-Day Registration Options — One-day rates are now available across registration categories
⭐ NEW Friday Keynote-Only Option — Join us Friday for the keynote presentation by AOTA President Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

The conference schedule is also LIVE, featuring OT practitioners and educators from across the Heartland — including many of our own Iowa colleagues sharing their work through presentations and posters! 💙

🔎 View the conference schedule:
https://www.mota-mo.org/2026-joint-conference-schedule/

🎟️ Register and check out the updated rates:
https://www.mota-mo.org/2026-joint-conference-registration/

⭐ Important reminder: If you previously completed the Save the Date registration through IOTA, you still need to complete the full conference registration to attend.

Come learn, connect, support your Iowa colleagues, and build community with OT professionals from across the Heartland. We can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!

25/08/2026

📢 OT Advocacy Alert: Make Your Voice Heard!

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is calling on occupational therapy practitioners to provide feedback to CMS on the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

The proposal includes changes that could improve OT reimbursement under Medicare Part B, including an important positive change to how OT services are valued. However, other proposed policies raise concerns for the profession, including potential changes that could limit access to separately reimbursed caregiver training services, new health and well-being coaching services that do not currently recognize OT practitioners based on their existing education and licensure, and restrictions on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) that could affect how these services are delivered.

These Medicare Part B policy decisions can also have implications beyond Medicare. In many states, Medicaid payment rates may be tied to Medicare payment levels, and Medicaid programs may look to Medicare coverage, coding, and reporting policies when determining how OT services are covered and reimbursed.

CMS is asking for feedback, and practitioners’ real-world experiences can help shape the final policies.

AOTA has provided guidance on priority issues and how to submit an individualized comment:
👉 https://www.votervoice.net/AOTA/Campaigns/138789/Respond

⏰ Comments are due September 14, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET.

Help advocate for policies that support fair reimbursement, preserve access to occupational therapy services, and recognize the full scope and value of occupational therapy.

13/08/2026

Exciting growth for rehabilitation services in northwest Iowa!

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is moving forward with a major expansion and renovation of its Rockwell City clinic. As part of the project, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy services will move into newly renovated space.

It’s great to see continued investment in access to rehabilitation services in Iowa communities!

A medical center in Rockwell City has launched an expansion of its family practice, behavioral health, radiology and pharmacy services. Linn Block, the CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics, said they evaluated patient volume and growing demand for services, like mental health care. “Making...

11/08/2026

Occupational therapy in action right here in Iowa! 💙

Rainbows & Butterflies recently hosted a four-week summer camp for children in central Iowa, where campers received individualized occupational and speech therapy through play, art, and group activities.

We love seeing occupational therapy highlighted in our Iowa communities and supporting children’s participation, connection, and growth!

Organizers said the four-week program helps children maintain skills during summer break and prepares them to return to school.

27/07/2026

🎉 We're honored to share some exciting news!

The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) has been recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) with the 2026 Affiliated State Association Presidents (ASAP) Advocacy Award!

This national recognition celebrates IOTA's leadership in launching the Iowans for Section 504 coalition, bringing together healthcare, disability advocacy, and professional organizations to advocate for preserving Section 504 protections.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our board members, volunteers, advocacy partners, and members who work together to advance occupational therapy and advocate for the individuals and communities we serve.

We're proud to see Iowa recognized on the national stage!

Read the full AOTA article here:
https://www.aota.org/community/get-involved/state-associations/state-occupational-therapy-associations-elevate-the-profession

25/06/2026

Federal Advocacy Update:

A DC federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule that would limit access to federal student loans for borrowers in many healthcare-related and other graduate degree programs.

The ruling by US District Judge Beryl Howell halts the Education Department’s implementation of its regulation that would enforce new loan caps set by the GOP’s 2025 tax-and-spending law. It was set to go into effect July 1.

A DC federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule that would limit access to federal student loans for borrowers in many healthcare-related and other graduate degree programs.

25/06/2026

OT Compact news! Tennessee and Wisconsin are now issuing compact privileges to practice—making that eight states who have now expanded access to practice across state lines.

Plus, Oklahoma’s governor recently signed legislation to join the compact, bringing the total number of compact states to 34. Stay updated on the latest Compact news: https://bit.ly/41nx5eh

23/06/2026

FYI regarding Molina Insurance-

All Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy (PT/OT/ST) will require a Prior Authorization (PA) after 6 visits per rolling year beginning 7/1/2026. Providers should utilize the Availity Essentials Provider Portal for PA electronic submission for faster turnaround time. For any general provider inquiries, please contact the Provider Services Contact Center at (844) 236-1464, or email our Provider Relations Team at [email protected].

Official Notice:

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19/06/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth- a day that honors freedom, resilience, culture and the ongoing pursuit of equity.

As occupational therapy professionals, we understand that meaningful participation in daily life, community, education, work, and wellness should be accessible to everyone. Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of continuing to advocate for inclusive, equitable healthcare and supportive communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

We celebrate the strength, contributions, and voices of Black individuals, families, colleagues, and communities today and every day.

❤💛💚 Happy Juneteenth.