HB464 Summary

• Expands the definition of occupational therapy to include therapeutic use of occupations with individuals, groups, and organizations to support participation and function in various life roles and settings.

• Adds licensed assistants to physicians (with valid supervisory agreements), certified registered nurse practitioners (in collaborative practice with physicians), and licensed psychologists to the list of professionals authorized to refer patients for occupational therapy treatment.

• Exempts occupational therapists performing wellness or community services not related to injury, disease, or illness from the referral requirement.

• Allows occupational therapists to include academic credentials (MS, OTR/L, OTD) with license acronyms and increases maximum consecutive board member terms from two to three.

• Authorizes the board to employ and compensate an executive director, requires exam failure to result in revocation of limited permits, and allows the executive director to mail complaints to accused parties at the board secretary's request.