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HR 159

SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates April 15, 2026, as Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association Day at the state capitol

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dustin Miller

The bill designates April 15, 2026, at the state capitol as Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association Day to publicly recognize the contributions of occupational therapists and as

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 159

Summary of Bill HR 159 (2026 Regular Session, Louisiana)

Quick Overview

  • Status: Read by title and lies over under the rules (as of action history on 2026-04-16)
  • Type: House Resolution
  • Purpose: Designates a specific day at the state capitol to recognize the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association (LOTA) and its members
  • Sponsor: Representative Miller (Co-sponsor: Dustin Miller)
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is ceremonial: to designate a specific day—Wednesday, April 15, 2026—as Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association Day at the state capitol.
  • The resolution acknowledges the role of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Louisiana, and expresses appreciation for their contributions to patient quality of life and to broader public health and safety.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Designation of a day: The bill designates April 15, 2026, as a special observance at the state capitol.
  • Recognition elements: The resolution highlights:
    • Louisiana’s licensed occupational therapists and assistants (over 3,000 practitioners in the state).
    • The national recognition of April as Occupational Therapy Month.
    • The professional work of the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association in advocacy, standards of care, and statewide collaboration.
    • The broad benefits of occupational therapy, including reduced fall risk, fewer nursing home admissions, lower hospital readmission rates, decreased depression, and improved quality of life for individuals with chronic disease.
    • The role of occupational therapists in workplace safety, fit-for-duty and injury-prevention programs, contributing to employee health and employer competitiveness.
  • Symbolic/commemorative emphasis: The resolution expresses enduring appreciation for occupational therapists and assistants.

3) Who or What is Affected

  • Primary effect: Creates an official, ceremonial designation within the state government for a specific day.
  • Beneficiaries and affected parties:
    • Licensed occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in Louisiana.
    • The Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association (LOTA) as the professional association highlighted.
    • Louisiana residents who benefit from occupational therapy services and related public health benefits noted in the resolution.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Date designated: April 15, 2026 (Wednesday).
  • Location of observance: State Capitol.
  • Legislative status timeline: As of the latest action, the resolution has been read by title and is in a “lie over under the rules” status, indicating it may proceed to further consideration or action per legislative rules.
  • Official actions required for adoption: Typically, resolutions of this nature require passage by the House (and possibly the Senate for concurrent acknowledgment) and a formal signing or adoption process within the chamber.

Additional Notes

  • This is a ceremonial resolution and does not create new laws, appropriations, or regulatory changes.
  • The document emphasizes the professional scope and impact of occupational therapy, including clinical and occupational health benefits, to bolster recognition within the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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