Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Dr.OT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences – Occupational Therapy Department

First Advisor

Husny Amerih

Second Advisor

Jacquelyn Sample

Publication Date / Copyright Date

2019

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

Medicaid Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waivers have allowed adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to remain in the community rather than transition to institutionalization. HCBS waivers vary drastically from state to state limiting consistency in services offered to adults with IDD within the community. Majority of HCBS waivers offered to adults with IDD do not fund occupational therapy as a habilitative service due to a variety of reasons. Many adults with IDD are negatively impacted by not receiving necessary services. After preliminary research, it was noted that there is limited information regarding occupational therapy practitioner knowledge of HCBS waivers. A survey was distributed to occupational therapy practitioners with at least three years of experience and it was determined that there is a need to educate occupational therapy practitioners about HCBS waivers as a potential funding source. The survey results concluded that occupational therapy practitioners required continued education regarding legislation and advocacy skills. The American Occupational Therapy Association and corresponding state occupational therapy associations need to continue to educate legislators and ensure the inclusion of occupational therapy in future Medicaid changes.

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Keywords

adults with disabilities, Advocacy, Home and Community Based Service Waivers, Medicaid, Occupational Therapy Advocacy

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