Commission On Practice (COP)

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).  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.

How the COP works

COP conducts monthly virtual meetings. Meeting goals include:

• Review and edit draft documents

• Monitor COP projects

• Coordinate COP projects with other AOTA bodies

• Identify current practice concerns

• 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.