The implementation of the Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-641) brought about the realization that occupational therapists can and should participate in a formalized manner in the health planning process. Successful attempts by District V of the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, and by the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, to seat an occupational therapist on the governing board of the Illowa Health Systems Agency and on the Iowa State Health Coordinating Council yielded a greater understanding of the law and of the activities of health systems agencies. This article describes the process of selecting representatives for health systems agencies governing boards as it pertains to allied health professionals.