About the COP
The Commission on Practice (COP) is one of the bodies of the Representative Assembly (RA) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In existence since 1977, the COP serves AOTA by promoting the quality of occupational therapy practice and developing practice standards and documents for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants relative to provider and consumer needs.
Functions of the COP
- Identifies the need for and develops, interprets, and periodically reviews and revises standards, guidelines, and other official documents related to occupational therapy practice
- Analyzes trends in systems and programs that affect the delivery of occupational therapy services
- Serves as a resource on issues related to occupational therapy practice
- Solicits input from other volunteer sector groups regarding current issues and concerns in occupational therapy practice
Members
The COP membership consists of the chairperson and voting members who are selected by the Chairperson. There are also three liaison members: one from the Special Interest Sections (SIS), one from the Association of Student Delegates (ASD), and one from the AOTA Headquarters. The Chairperson selects the voting members of the COP with consideration for their practice expertise and geographic representation. The Chairperson is an elected position; the COP members serve a 3-year term.
How the COP Works
The COP conducts all meetings including monthly meetings via conference call and “live meeting”. Meeting goals include the following:
- To review and edit draft documents
- To monitor COP projects
- To coordinate COP projects with other AOTA bodies
- To identify current practice concerns
- To develop methods to address current issues
AOTA Member Participation
In addition to committee members, AOTA members who have a particular interest in an area of practice should forward their names and interests to the Chairperson of the COP. AOTA members are selected on an "as needed" basis to assist in COP business.
