HI HB629

Expands the scope of practice for licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Hawaii Department of Education to diagnose medical conditions that can be treated by their respective services when working with students in educational settings.

Allows these therapy professionals to provide services to Department of Education students without requiring a prior physician prescription, streamlining service delivery and enabling the department to claim reimbursement for these services.

Defines occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, and speech pathology services to include diagnosis of treatable medical conditions among other therapeutic interventions for students.

Modifies Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 457G-1.5 (occupational therapy), 461J-2 (physical therapy), and 468E-3 (speech pathology) to authorize the expanded diagnostic capabilities limited to the Department of Education context.

Effective date: July 1, 3000.