Legislative Update: Proposal for OTs to Perform SOC

Two senators have introduced legislation to allow Occupational Therapists to finally open patients with a SOC OASIS.  The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015 (S. 2364) would allow an OT to open a case only when another therapy is ordered by a physician when nursing wasn’t needed.

 

The two senators from Maryland and Nevada cited the need and importance of OT and therapy in general in the home.  This is a positive step forward for home health agencies.  We will keep agencies updated on this issue, should the legislation be passed.