NY S07226

Requires occupational therapists to complete at least a baccalaureate or master's degree program in an approved occupational therapy curriculum, or its equivalent as determined by the department, removing the previous certificate program option.

Requires occupational therapy assistants to complete at least a two-year associate degree program registered by the department or accredited by a national accreditation agency, or its equivalent as determined by the department in accordance with commissioner's regulations.

Grants the department authority to determine educational equivalencies for both occupational therapists and assistants through commissioner's regulations.

Takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with a contingency provision allowing section two to align with the effective date of chapter 470 of the laws of 2015 if that chapter has not yet taken effect.