The "Occupational Therapist Act Amendment Alliance" in Taiwan, representing 11 universities and colleges offering occupational therapy programs, along with department chairs and professors who educate future occupational therapists in the country, jointly released a statement. They are calling on the government to promptly amend the Occupational Therapist Act, allowing occupational therapists to provide "non-disease-focused" services based on their professional expertise, thus enhancing public health.
     Ms. Wu Ching-Yi, Chairperson of the Taiwan Occupational Therapy Association, stated that through the collective endorsement of occupational therapy departments nationwide, Taiwan's development in occupational therapy is on par with many advanced countries worldwide. However, in these developed countries, therapists can provide direct services to those in need based on their professional skills and knowledge, helping individuals maintain their health and quality of life. Such a system not only eases the burden on the healthcare system but also aligns with the concept of medical specialization and division of labor.
    Nevertheless, Taiwan's current Occupational Therapist Act restricts occupational therapists trained by reputable universities from providing direct services to the public, indirectly impacting the nation and its citizens negatively. The Act's in-force focus on tying occupational therapy to disease treatment narrowed and limited the potential professional growth of occupational therapists. It also contradicts the purpose of educating occupational therapists in schools across Taiwan.
    The Occupational Therapist Act Amendment Alliance has actively engaged with the public to promote the importance of the aforementioned legislative changes and has invited people to join the endorsement campaign. As of now, over 35,000 individuals and more than 50 organizations have signed the petition. Additionally, through the joint endorsement of occupational therapy departments at 11 universities and colleges nationwide, the alliance calls on the government to revise the outdated Occupational Therapist Act provisions. Changing the Occupational Therapist Act will enable therapists to provide services directly to the public in "non-disease-focused" and legitimate situations. This amendment enhances the value of professional development education, significantly promotes public health, reduces the national healthcare burden, and effectively aligns with global health and medical care trends.
The alliance anticipates that following this legislative change, individuals can seek occupational therapy services directly based on their health needs without restrictions imposed by regulations. Occupational therapists, with their professional qualifications and recognition through national exams, will be able to offer preventive services directly to the public in situations that are "non-disease-focused." The population's overall health will be the greatest beneficiary in this context.