ABSTRACT
Much of what is happening within the profession of occupational therapy is due to growth and maturation accompanied by attitudinal and educational changes among its members. Trends such as more entrepreneurial behavior, more “ non-traditional” practice, more personnel with graduate degrees, increased emphasis on research
and specialization, and more stringent documentation of treatment activity are indicative of these changes. In addition, health care legislation and reimbursement patterns are producing substantial al terations in the profession, as seen most prominently in school sys tem practice. These internal and external forces require occupa tional therapy personnel to move away from a “ wait-and-see” approach. Instead, pressure must be applied to secure occupational therapy a place in the market.
