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November 17, 2026
Federal and State Advocacy Recap - 2026
Join this webinar to learn the step-by-step process for obtaining compact privileges through the OT Compact and get answers to frequently asked questions from subject matter experts.
Advocacy is a crucial component of OT practice. State and federal legislation affect OT practice in a variety of ways, including impacting reimbursement, access to services, scope of practice definitions, and more. This course will provide an overview of TNOTA's federal and state advocacy efforts and legislative priorities. The speakers will discuss up-to-date information on current legislative issues and review resources available to advocate for our profession.
Participants who attend the live webinar will receive one (1) contact hour.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Through participating in this event, attendees will be able to do the following at the close of the session:
- Identify the role of the TNOTA advocacy committee, the TNOTA legislative chair, and the TNOTA lobbyist.
- List a legislative issue currently being discussed at the state level and/or the national level.
- Locate and access TNOTA advocacy resources on the website.
Presenters
Cindy Blackwell, OTD, OTR/L, Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP , Rosemary Lewis OTR/L, CTP, CBIS, Emily Rayder Acred, MOT, OTR/L
Cindy Blackwell is an occupational therapist who currently serves as TNOTA's legislative chair, covering federal legislative topics.
Stephanie Lancaster is an occupational therapist and current TNOTA President.
Rosemary Lewis is an occupational therapist and serves as TNOTA's advocacy committee chair, covering Tennessee-specific issues and TNOTA member interests.
Emily Rader Acred is an occupational therapist who recently joined TNOTA's advocacy committee as co-chair.