How do I contact OTAC?

You can contact OTAC at info@otacco.org. 

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.

NOTE: DRY NEEDLING - OTAC has finally received the following statement from DORA regarding Dry Needling : 

"OT's in Colorado are not permitted by statute or rule to perform dry needling, a modality that presents unique risks and requires specific training.

In contrast, both physical therapists and chiropractors have explicit authorizations in statute to puncture skin with needles, and both have rules specific to dry needling that require additional training and signed client consent forms to perform the modality. 

Remember that the Department of Regulatory Agencies is an executive branch agency and acts to enforce laws made by the Colorado General Assembly."

 OTAC is continuing to research this issue by following the proper procedures for consideration of future legislation which includes meeting with stakeholder groups and our lobbyists to assess the climate for support or opposition for future legislation.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: OT INTERSTATE COMPACT: OTAC helped pass the OT Interstate Compact bill in 2021. The Compact is NOT ACTIVE yet (2024) as the first 10 states are working on designing the specifics of the implementation of the bill. This bill WILL NOT REPLACE THE NEED TO OBTAIN A 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: https://dpo.colorado.gov/OccupationalTherapy

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

Will OTAC share my student surveys?

OTAC student members are welcome to post their surveys in the forum section of the website. OTAC is not able to send survey emails or post on social media. OTAC receives many requests from non OTAC student members (students from out of state) and OTAC is not able to share these surveys in the forum due to the overwhelming number of requests.

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 (example August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2020).  You will receive email reminders when your membership is up for renewal.

Student memberships are for 2 or 3 years to match the length of the OT and OTA student programs in Colorado. And good news for students! Pricing has been reduced from the previous annual renewing membership rate! (previous $30/year, now $55/2 year and $80/3 year)

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?

Membership dues help OT by supporting our lobbyist efforts in Colorado as well as being used towards many professional events each year from conference, social activities, continuing education, operating costs (website, accounting, etc.) and more!

OTAC is one of the few states able to afford to have our own lobbyists and as a result we are able to advocate successfully for OT representation in any health practice issues that come up as well as introduce our own legislation. In 2021 we successfully introduced and was the 8th state to pass the OT Interstate Compact Act. In 2022 OTAC wrote and passed the bill HB 22-1068 "Medicaid Reimbursement for Equine Assisted Therapy" which will provide Medicaid reimbursement for OT, SLP, and PT for equine assisted therapy starting in 2024! OTAC is currently preparing for the 2024 legislative session with additional advocacy efforts on behalf of OT practitioners in Colorado.

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

Your dues are a valuable investment in your ability to practice and advocate for the OT profession!

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. 

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 is typically an in-person two-day even held in person in mid October. For 2020 and 2021 OTAC held virtual conferences that were a great success!  The 2022 conference was held at the beautiful PACE Center (Performing Arts Center) in Parker, Colorado and had the largest attendance in current OTAC records! The 2023 OTAC conference "Cultivate" will also be held at the PACE Center on October 13-14th. The conference provides exceptional continuing education sessions, networking and social activities, an exhibitor expo, and loads of fun! Conference and other event information can be found under the "Engage" tab on the website.