HI SB2472

Establishes an occupational therapy program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and creates licensing requirements for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Hawaii.

Converts existing occupational therapist registrations to licenses effective December 31, 2014, with current registrants grandfathered and automatically issued licenses upon renewal.

Requires occupational therapy assistants to be licensed effective January 1, 2017, and mandates they practice only under supervision of and in partnership with a licensed occupational therapist.

Specifies qualifications for licensure including completion of National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy educational requirements and passage of national certification examination.

Appropriates $70,000 from the compliance resolution fund for fiscal year 2014-2015 to implement the licensure program, with a $100 surcharge on each new license and renewal assessed until appropriated amount is recovered.