The new MTD Act 2024 only partially reflects the skills of occupational therapy and does not enable easier access to occupational therapy services
Instead of the hoped-for milestone, the new law means a standstill and definitely does not contribute to making the affected health professions more attractive, as announced in the government program. It is very regrettable that the draft ultimately adopted was far removed from the original consensus paper of the occupational therapy experts and that core demands were not implemented.
Marion Hackl, President of Occupational Therapy Austria
Vienna (OTS) – The professional expertise of professionals and professional interest groups was not sufficiently taken into account in the development of the new professional law and was subordinated to the interests of other stakeholders. The resulting professional profile reflects professional practice over the last 30 years, but does not allow for further development of occupational therapy.
The technical expertise of professionals and interest groups is not sufficiently taken into account
From May 15th to 29th, a draft law was in pre-parliamentary review, which represented the minimum consensus after a years-long work process between interest groups, experts and BMSGPK. The statement from Ergotherapie Austria, which was submitted as part of the assessment, received 1,590 declarations of support – but it was not taken into account in the further process. On June 12th, a new draft law was introduced as an initiative proposal by members of the ÖVP and the Greens in the National Council. This application contained changes to the content of the above-mentioned draft law as well as changes to the Compulsory Prescription Act, the Pharmacy Act and the Medical Assistant Professions Act. These were submitted without the opportunity for public review. The professional law was passed in the National Council today.
No sustainable professional law
In the more than 30 years since the Occupations Act came into force in 1992, the profession of occupational therapy has changed fundamentally. The field of activity will continue to develop dynamically in the future and therefore urgently needs a comprehensive, sustainable job profile with all job-specific skills. „Instead of the hoped-for milestone, the new law means a standstill and definitely does not contribute to making the affected health professions more attractive, as announced in the government program. It is very regrettable that the draft ultimately adopted was far removed from the original consensus paper of the occupational therapy experts and that core demands were not implemented.
“, Marion Hackl, President of Ergotherapie Austria, comments on the passed law.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a legally regulated health profession and deals with meaningful activities in everyday life. This means everything that we all do – do – all day long wantalso must or what is expected of us. It’s about activities from all areas of life that are important to us, make up our everyday lives and give our lives meaning. The connection between meaningful activities, health and well-being is the focus of occupational therapy.
Ergotherapie Austria
Ergotherapie Austria is the professional interest group for occupational therapists in Austria. The federal association is a non-profit organization that has set itself the task of ensuring occupational therapy care for the population in Austria, as well as professional and educational policy measures for its members. Since its founding in 1969, Ergotherapie Austria has established itself as a partner in the healthcare sector.
Questions & Contact:
Marion Hackl / m.hackl@ergotherapie.at / +43 664 4556022