Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1 | Ohio Administrative Code 4755:1 — Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board | Occupational Therapy

Chapter 4755:1-1 Licensing; Education; Examination; and Renewal

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-01 Applications for initial licensure.

(A) To receive a license to practice as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, an applicant shall be at least eighteen years of age.

(B) All applications for initial licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall be submitted to the occupational therapy section on the forms provided by the section. All applications, statements, and other documents submitted are retained by the section.

(1) Submitted electronically via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(2) Electronically signed via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by Chapter 4755. of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application including viewing a required presentation about the board's safe haven program.

(D) An applicant for initial licensure by examination shall:

(1) Have completed an occupational therapy program accredited by the accreditation council for occupational therapy education (ACOTE) of the American occupational therapy association (AOTA) or submit evidence satisfactory to the section that the applicant completed an educational program substantially equivalent to the requirements established in Chapter 4755. of the Administrative Code;

(2) Have passed the certification examination administered by the national board for certification in occupational therapy, inc. (NBCOT); and

(3) Not be licensed or ever been licensed in any state or territory of the United States as an:

(a) Occupational therapist to apply for initial licensure by examination as an occupational therapist; or

(b) Occupational therapy assistant to apply for initial licensure by examination as an occupational therapy assistant.

(E) In addition to the requirements contained in paragraph (D) of this rule, applicants for an initial license by examination who graduated from their entry-level occupational therapy program five or more years prior to the date they apply to the section for licensure by examination may be subject to additional requirements including:

(1) Submission of proof of completion of twenty hours of continuing education within the two year period immediately preceding the date the application is submitted;

(2) Competency-based performance appraisals;

(3) Mentorship;

(4) Professional development plan;

(5) Extended coursework; and

(6) Retaking and passing the NBCOT certification examination.

(F) An applicant for initial licensure by endorsement shall:

(1) Meet the requirements established in paragraphs (D)(1) and (D)(2) of this rule; and

(2) Hold a current, valid license to practice as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state or United States territory or possess current, valid certification from NBCOT.

(G) In addition to the requirements contained in paragraph (F) of this rule, applicants for an initial license by endorsement who have not engaged in the practice of occupational therapy for more than five years prior to the date they apply to the section for licensure by endorsement may be subject to additional requirements including:

(1) Submission of proof of completion of twenty hours of continuing education within the two year period immediately preceding the date the application is submitted;

(2) Professional development plan;

(3) Extended coursework;

(4) Retaking and passing the NBCOT certification examination;

(5) Mentorship; and

(6) Competency-based performance appraisals.

(H) In addition to the other requirements of this rule, an internationally educated applicant shall:

(1) Complete an education credentials review from an entity approved by the section to be used by the section to determine if the applicant's international education was substantially equivalent to an accredited occupational therapy program in the United States, Puerto Rico, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. People whose initial certification by NBCOT is on or after January 1, 2004 are not required to meet this provision;

(2) Demonstrate that the person met the requirements to practice occupational therapy in the country of education and evidence of eligible licensure and/or certification credentialing in that country; and

(3) Demonstrate a working knowledge of English by obtaining:

(a) Scores on the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) iBT of at least:

(i) Twenty -six on the speaking section;

(ii) Eighty-nine on the overall examination.

(b) The TOEFL is not required for graduates of occupational therapy programs in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States.

(I) For the purposes of filing an electronic application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant will create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the person who created it. The credentials constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

(J) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing is considered to be abandoned and no further processing will be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:47 AM

History

Effective: October 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-02 Educational requirements.

(A) The education requirements described in divisions (A) and (B) of section 4755.07 of the Revised Code are satisfied by completion of an entry-level education program accredited by the accreditation council for occupational therapy education (ACOTE) of the American occupational therapy association. Occupational therapy programs which have not been accredited by ACOTE will be accepted provided program equivalency has been established by a recognized educational credentialing body approved by the section.

(B) In accordance with the provision of the second paragraph of section 4755.09 of the Revised Code, the section may waive the educational requirements specified in paragraph (A) of this rule on the basis of job experience if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The applicant passed the NBCOT certification examination.

(2) The applicant for licensure engaged in the active practice of occupational therapy as a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state.

(3) The applicant's licensure and/or certification are active and without restriction.

(4) The applicant is foreign educated and meets the requirements of rule 4755:1-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(5) If the applicant has not engaged in the practice of occupational therapy for more than five years in accordance with rule 4755:1-1-04 of the Administrative Code, they may be subject to additional requirements outlined by the occupational therapy section.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:50 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-04

(A) In accordance with section 4755.05 of the Revised Code, only persons licensed by the occupational therapy section of the board shall practice or offer to practice occupational therapy.

(B) The practice of occupational therapy, as used in Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, means engaging in occupational therapy, as defined in division (A) of section 4755.04 of the Revised Code.

(C) As used in division 4755:1 of the Administrative Code, "not engaged in the practice of occupational therapy for more than five years" means being actively engaged in the practice of occupational therapy for fewer than two hundred fifty hours over the five year period prior to the date the applicant submits the endorsement or reinstatement application.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:50 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-03 Examination requirements.

(A) An applicant has satisfied the examination requirements of the occupational therapy section if they passed the certification examination of the national board for certification in occupational therapy for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.

(B) Examination may be waived for any person who was certified as an occupational therapy assistant by the american occupational therapy association prior to August 27, 1976.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:50 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-05 Biennial renewal of license.

(A) Renewal of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license happens in accordance with section 4755.10 of the Revised Code.

(1) The following shall be completed to satisfy the requirements of license renewal:

(a) The entire renewal applicaton, including any required forms;

(b) Compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755:1-3-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(2) The licensure renewal notice is sent to the e-mail address on file with the board.

(B) All persons licensed as an occupational therapist shall renew their license by the thirtieth day of June in each odd-numbered year. When a license to practice as an occupational therapist is issued by the board on or after March first of an odd-numbered year, that license is valid through the thirtieth day of June of the next odd-numbered year.

(C) All persons licensed as an occupational therapy assistant shall renew their license by the thirtieth day of June in each even-numbered year. When a license to practice as an occupational therapy assistant is issued by the board on or after March first of an even-numbered year, that license is valid through the thirtieth day of June of the next even-numbered year.

(D) Persons who fail to submit the renewal fee, completed application, any other required information, and/or comply with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755-9-01 of the Administrative Code by the thirtieth day of June of the appropriate year shall have their license automatically expire.

(1) A license holder whose license expires for failure to renew shall submit a reinstatement application in accordance with rule 4755:1-1-07 of the Administrative Code. The occupational therapy section shall approve the reinstatement application before the person may legally practice as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in Ohio.

(2) A license holder who continues to practice occupational therapy with an expired license is subject to disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code or is guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to section 4755.99 of the Revised Code.

(E) For the purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant shall create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the license holder who created it. The credentials constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:51 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-3-01

(A) Pursuant to division (C) of section 4755.06 of the Revised Code, no person shall qualify for licensure renewal as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant unless the license holder has shown to the satisfaction of the occupational therapy section that the license holder has completed twenty contact hours of continuing education activities within the two year renewal cycle.

(1) License holders are not required to obtain any continuing education units for the first renewal.

(2) In the case of a license reinstatement, if the license was valid for a period of twelve months or less, the license holder shall complete ten contact hours of continuing education within the renewal cycle, including one contact hour of ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence pursuant to paragraph (A)(5) of this rule. The category limits contained in paragraph (B) of this rule do not apply if the license was valid for twelve months or less.

(3) A "contact hour" is one hour spent in a continuing education activity meeting the requirements of this rule. Contact hours exclude refreshment breaks, receptions, social gatherings, and meals that do not include an acceptable activity.

(4) All continuing education activities shall be earned in the two year period immediately preceding the thirtieth day of June of the year in which licensure renewal is required. Contact hours may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

(5) License holders shall complete at least one contact hour of ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence education per renewal cycle. The one hour ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence requirement may be fulfilled by completing an acceptable activity outlined in paragraph (B) of this rule that contains at least one hour addressing professional ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence. In addition, any presentation by the occupational therapy section meets the ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence requirement.

(6) License holders shall complete at least one contact hour of mental health and/or substance use education per renewal cycle. The one hour mental health and/or substance use requirement shall be fulfilled by completing an acceptable activity outlined in paragraph (B) of this rule that contains at least one hour addressing mental health and/or substance use. In addition, any presentation by the board's safe haven program that addresses mental health and/or substance use meets this requirement.

(7) The same contact hour cannot be used to fulfill both the ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence education and the mental health and/or substance use requirements.

(B) Pursuant to section 4755.062 of the Revised Code, the occupational therapy section may contract with the Ohio occupational therapy association (OOTA) to assist the section with the performing of its continuing education duties as prescribed in this rule. OOTA may accept, review, approve, or deny proposals for professional workshops, seminars, and/or conferences for continuing education units or for other continuing education activities reported by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. OOTA shall perform any other duties agreed upon by the section and OOTA necessary for the approval, maintenance, and/or reporting of continuing education activities for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. OOTA may charge applicants for continuing education a reasonable fee for the completion of its duties.

(1) Activities sponsored or approved by the occupational therapy section or OOTA on behalf of the section, the American occupational therapy association (AOTA), OOTA, the national board for certification in occupational therapy, or offered by an AOTA approved provider.

(2) Attending professional workshops, seminars, and/or conferences. There is no limit of contact hours in this category.

(a) Credit is obtained by attending presentations that have either been sponsored or approved by the occupational therapy section, AOTA, OOTA, offered by an AOTA approved provider, or which meets the following criteria:

(i) It contributes directly to professional competency;

(ii) It relates directly to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy practitioners; and

(iii) It is conducted by people who have demonstrated expertise in the subject matter of the program.

(b) Prior approval from the section is not required if paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(i) to (C)(2)(a)(iii) of this rule have been met.

(c) Proof of content is demonstrated by the original workshop or conference brochure, agenda, notes, or materials given to participants during the presentations.

(d) Copies of continuing education unit certificates or other original documents indicating credits awarded may also be used as verification of participation. If no other form of verification is available, license holders may obtain from the board verification of participation forms, which are to be signed by each presenter at the conclusion of each presentation. If a presentation is made by a panel of people, only one signature is required.

(3) Presentations of occupational therapy programs, workshops, or seminars. The presentation shall be to health or education professionals and/or students, be at least one contact hour in length and relate to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy practitioners. Two contact hours will be awarded for each hour of presentation. A maximum of eight contact hours may be earned in this category. Proof of presentation is the workshop, conference, or seminar contract, or the brochure, agenda, or other printed materials describing content and audience. Continuing education credit will not be awarded for subsequent presentations of the same material.

(4) Preparation to teach a clinical course in occupational therapy. The course shall be taught in an occupational therapy program accredited by the accreditation council for occupational therapy education (ACOTE). Credit will only be awarded for preparation for a new course or substantive changes to an existing course. One contact hour will be awarded for each hour of preparation. A maximum of eight contact hours may be earned in this category. Proof of presentation is the course syllabus or other printed materials describing the content and goals of the course.

(5) Publications of books, articles, or films related to clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy. A maximum of five contact hours for each published article, ten contact hours for a published book, five contact hours for a chapter in a book, and ten contact hours for a film may be earned in these categories. Co-authorship is acceptable. The item shall be published within the current renewal cycle. Proof of completion is the published article, title page of the book, or film. There is no limit of contact hours in this category.

(6) Undergraduate or graduate courses. A maximum of ten contact hours may be earned per completed course. Courses shall be related to the management, practice, or education of occupational therapy. Proof of completion is an unofficial college or university transcript. An official college or university transcript may be requested at the discretion of the occupational therapy section. Proof of content is the catalog description. There is no limit of contact hours in this category.

(7) Supervision of fieldwork.

(a) The maximum number of hours which may be earned from level I and level II supervision combined is sixteen hours per renewal cycle.

(b) Continuing education credit can be earned by supervising level I students. One contact hour may be earned for each student supervised.

(c) Continuing education credit can be earned by supervising level II students. Six contact hours may be earned per student for eight weeks of supervision. Nine contact hours may be earned per student for twelve weeks of supervision.

(d) A license holder shall be a signing rater on the American occupational therapy association fieldwork performance evaluation (FWPE) or the school's designated student performance evaluation tool to be eligible for continuing education credit. If more than one license holder is a signing rater on the FWPE or evaluation tool, the contact hours earned shall be divided between the signing raters.

(e) Proof of student supervision is a certificate of supervision from the student's school.

(8) Self-study. Formal study packages, such as printed text, multi-media, or internet based activities, related to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy are acceptable. There is no limit of contact hours in this category. Proof of completion is the certificate of completion and/or a copy of the post test results.

(9) Distance learning. Credit for distance learning requires that there be opportunity for interaction with the program presenter and that the content is related to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy. The agenda and certificate of participation are required to verify completion. There is no limit of contact hours in this category.

(10) Apprenticeships. Supervised clinical experience aimed at developing specialized skills in occupational therapy is acceptable. Five contact hours shall be credited for each forty hour week. There is no limit to the amount of contact hours that can be earned under this category. Proof of completion is a signed letter from the clinical supervisor describing length and type of education experiences and an evaluation of the occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's performance.

Apprenticeships shall be served under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist whose license is in good standing and who has demonstrated expertise in the practice of occupational therapy or other people who have demonstrated expertise in specialized techniques as approved by the occupational therapy section.

(11) Research projects. A maximum of ten contact hours may be earned in this category. The hours will be granted only for completed, published or unpublished research projects related to the theory, clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy. Proof of completion is the published article or unpublished manuscript.

(12) Informal independent study. One contact hour will be given for reading an evidence based book chapter or research journal article relating to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy practitioners and identifying how the information presented can be applied to one's own practice, management, or education situation. Proof of completion is a copy of the article's title page and the first page, and a written report summarizing the information and outlining how it can be applied by the license holder. One hour will be awarded for each chapter/article. A maximum of four contact hours may be earned in this category per renewal cycle.

(13) Jurisprudence examination. One contact hour may be earned for completing and passing the Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination. This contact hour may be utilized only once per renewal cycle for continuing education credit. Proof of completion is the graded examination. This contact hour may be used to fulfill the ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence requirement established in paragraph (A)(5) of this rule.

(14) Mentorship. A maximum of four hours per renewal cycle can be earned by any of the following:

(a) Continuing education credit can be earned by mentoring a student completing a graduate level research or capstone project at an ACOTE accredited entry-level or a post-professional occupational therapist education program. One contact hour may be earned for every eighty hours of mentorship completed, with a maximum of four contact hours per renewal cycle. Proof of mentorship will be a certificate from the student's school and a time log documenting the mentor's activities and the time spent completing those activities. Faculty members mentoring students enrolled in the faculty member's own program are not eligible for continuing education credit for mentorship.

(b) Continuing education credit can be earned by mentoring a practitioner in the first year of practice or any practitioner entering a practice area or attempting to achieve certification in a practice area in which the mentee has no prior experience. One contact hour may be earned for every eighty hours of mentorship completed, with a maximum of four contact hours per renewal cycle. Proof of mentorship will be a written contract which includes the signatures of the mentor and the practitioner who has agreed to be mentored. The contract shall also include a time log documenting the mentor's activities and the time spent completing those activities.

(c) Continuing education credit can be earned by mentoring a practitioner of an AOTA fellowship program. The mentor shall spend a minimum of three hundred fifty hours with the fellow while the fellow delivers occupational therapy services in the identified practice area. Four contact hours may be earned for each AOTA Fellowship Program mentorship with only one mentorship eligible for contact hours per renewal cycle. Proof of mentorship will be the written contract developed by the AOTA fellowship program and documentation of successful completion by this program.

(15) Volunteer services to indigent and uninsured persons pursuant to section 4745.04 of the Revised Code. To qualify under this rule, volunteer services shall:

(a) Be provided at a free clinic or other non-profit organization that offers health care services based on eligibility screenings identifying the client as an "indigent and uninsured person" as that term is defined in division (A)(7) of section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(b) Be documented in writing in the form of a certificate or a written statement on letterhead from an administrative official at the organization where services were rendered, specifying at a minimum the license holder's name, license number, date(s) of qualifying volunteer services, number of hours of services, and describing the services that were rendered.

(d) Be occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant services provided in compliance with the Revised Code and Administrative Code.

(e) Be credited as one hour of CE for each sixty minutes spent providing services as a volunteer, not to exceed four hours of the total biennial CE requirement.

(f) Not count toward the one contact hour of ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence education or mental health and/or substance use education per renewal cycle as required by paragraph (A)(5) or (A)(6) of this rule.

(16) Competency assessment or knowledge/skills assessment activities. Credit for completion of competency assessment or knowledge/skill assessment activities, or both, completed either online or in person. A certificate of completion or similar document that includes the participant's name, activity, date, contact hours awarded, and sponsoring organization shall be submitted as proof of completion.

(D) Continuing education credit will not be granted to standard employer required annual competency training, such as CPR, blood-born pathogens, or HIPAA.

(E) The occupational therapy section shall conduct an audit of the continuing education records of not less than five per cent of the license holders each renewal year.

(1) License holders chosen for audit shall submit to the board by the date specified by the board copies of all records and documentation of the continuing education activities used to meet the requirements of paragraph (A) of this rule.

(2) Failure to provide proof of the required number of continuing education hours, in the appropriate categories, for the specified time period will result in the commencement of disciplinary action.

(3) Failure to respond to or acknowledge receipt of an audit notice will result in the commencement of disciplinary action.

(F) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license shall not be renewed unless the license holder certifies that the person completed the required number of continuing education hours specified in paragraph (A) of this rule.

A license holder who falsifies a renewal application may be disciplined by the occupational therapy section for violating section 4755.11 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 7, 2023 at 8:52 AM

History

Effective: August 4, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-07

(A) Pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Administrative Code, the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license of an person who fails to comply with the renewal requirements shall automatically expire on the thirtieth day of June of the appropriate year.

(B) All applicants for reinstatement shall submit a completed application on the forms specified by the section. All applications shall be:

(1) Submitted electronically via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system;

(2) Electronically signed via the eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system;

(3) Contain the fee prescribed by Chapter 4755. of the Administrative Code;

(4) Be accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application, including viewing a required presentation about the board's safe haven program; and

(5) Contain proof that the applicant met the appropriate continuing education requirement:

(a) For reinstatement applications submitted on or after August first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete twenty contact hours of continuing education in accordance with rule 4755:1-3-01 of the Administrative Code within the two year period immediately preceding the application for reinstatement. Contact hours used to meet the requirements of this paragraph shall not be used to renew the reinstated license; or

(b) For reinstatement applications submitted before August first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours of continuing education that were required to renew the expired license. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be earned in accordance with rule 4755:1-3-01 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirements of this paragraph shall not be used to renew the reinstated license.

(D) Reinstatement is required for any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who wishes to return to practice in Ohio and whose Ohio occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license has expired. The provisions for reinstatement are as follows:

(1) Applicants out of practice for zero to five years shall:

(a) Provide proof of completion of twenty hours of continuing education within the two year period immediately preceding the application for reinstatement; and

(b) Pass the Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination.

(2) Applicants out of practice more than five years:

(a) Shall provide proof of completion of twenty hours of continuing education within the two year period immediately preceding the application for reinstatement.

(b) Shall pass the Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination.

The occupational therapy section may consider the following additional requirements:

(i) Additional continuing education;

(ii) Competency-based performance appraisals;

(iii) Mentorship;

(iv) Professional development plan;

(v) Extended coursework; and

(vi) Retaking and passing the NBCOT certification examination.

(E) For the purposes of filing an electronic application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant will create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the person to whom it is issued. The credentials constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

(F) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing is considered to be abandoned and no further processing shall be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:47 AM

History

Effective: October 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-1-06 Occupational therapy compact privileges.

(A) As required by section 4755.14 of the Revised Code, the occupational therapy section shall comply with all by laws, rules, and administrative regulations of the occupational therapy compact commission.

(B) Pursuant to section 4.A.9. of the compact in section 4755.14 of the Revised Code, all occupational therapy compact privilege applicants seeking to obtain a compact privilege in Ohio are also required to successfully pass the Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination prior to practicing in the state of Ohio.

(C) The Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination is required prior to renewal of a compact privilege to continue practicing occupational therapy in Ohio, except that the jurisprudence examination is not required for the first renewal of the compact privilege.

(D) Practicing occupational therapy in Ohio prior to passage of the Ohio occupational therapy jurisprudence examination may result in disciplinary action, including termination of the applicant's compact privilege.

Last updated August 21, 2025 at 10:20 AM

History

Effective: August 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4755:1-2 Code of Ethical Conduct and Practice Definition

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-01 Code of ethical conduct.

(A) Operations.

License holders shall use the provisions contained in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(10) of this rule as guidelines for promoting ethical integrity and professionalism. Failure to comply with paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(10) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) License holders shall familiarize themselves with, seek to understand, and comply with the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy.

(2) License holders shall remain abreast of revisions in the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy and shall inform employers, employees, and colleagues of those revisions.

(3) License holders shall achieve and continually maintain high standards of competence by doing the following:

(a) Maintain and document competency by participating in professional development, continuing competence, and other educational activities.

(b) Critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. A license holder shall not perform or attempt to perform techniques and/or procedures in which the license holder is untrained by education or experience.

(4) A person shall not practice occupational therapy without a valid license, or without holding student status, including:

(a) Practicing occupational therapy while a person's license is suspended or revoked.

(b) Practicing occupational therapy with an expired license or when no longer enrolled as a student in an accredited occupational therapy educational program.

(5) License holders shall ensure that a person supervised or directed by the license holder possesses a valid license or is a student occupational therapist or student occupational therapy assistant, as those terms are defined in rule 4755:1-2-02 of the Administrative Code.

(6) License holders shall not aid, abet, authorize, condone, or allow the practice of occupational therapy by any person not legally authorized to provide services.

(7) An applicant or license holder shall not cheat or assist others in conspiring to cheat on the written examination referenced in section 4755.07 of the Revised Code or the state jurisprudence examination.

(8) License holders shall not permit another person to use a person's wall certificate, license number, or national provider identifier for any illegal purpose.

(9) License holders shall report to the occupational therapy section any unprofessional, incompetent, or illegal behavior of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant of which the license holder has knowledge.

(10) Where the alleged violation involves impairment issues and no other provisions of Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code or rules adopted under it, the reporting license holder may make a referral to the safe haven program in lieu of making report to the occupational therapy section.

(B) Professionalism of license holder.

Professionalism of the license holder includes conforming to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing occupational therapy practice, including practicing in a manner that is moral and honorable. Conduct may be considered unethical regardless of whether or not actual injury to a client occurred. Failure to comply with paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(17) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall not:

(a) Forge the signature of other practitioners.

(b) Forge a wall certificate or any other proof of current licensure, including eLicense Ohio.

(2) An occupational therapy assistant shall not provide occupational therapy services without a supervising occupational therapist.

(3) All occupational therapy documentation, including, but not limited to, evaluations, assessments, intervention plans, treatment notes, discharge summaries, and transfers of care shall be in written or electronic format.

(4) A license holder shall not falsify, alter, or destroy client records, medical records, or billing records without authorization. The license holder shall maintain accurate client and/or billing records.

(5) A license holder shall not deliver, obtain, or attempt to obtain medications through means of misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and/or subterfuge.

(6) A license holder shall not initiate, participate in, or encourage the filing of complaints against colleagues that are unwarranted or intended to harm another practitioner.

(7) A license holder shall not practice occupational therapy while the ability to practice is impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, narcotic drugs, physical disability, mental disability, or emotional disability. If a license holder's or applicant's ability to practice is in question, and the license holder or applicant is not a participant in the board's safe haven program, the license holder or applicant shall submit to a physical or mental examination or drug/alcohol screen as requested by the occupational therapy section to determine the applicant's or license holder's qualifications to practice occupational therapy.

(8) A license holder shall preserve, respect, and safeguard confidential information about colleagues, staff, and students, unless otherwise mandated by national, state, or local laws.

(9) A license holder shall exercise sound judgment and act in a trustworthy manner in all aspects of occupational therapy practice. Regardless of practice setting, the occupational therapy practitioner shall maintain the ability to make independent judgments. A license holder shall strive to effect changes that benefit the client.

(10) A license holder shall accurately represent the qualifications, views, contributions, and findings of colleagues and students.

(11) A license holder shall not misrepresent the credential, title, qualifications, education, experience, training, and/or specialty certifications held by the license holder.

(12) A person licensed by the occupational therapy section has a responsibility to report any organization or entity that holds itself out to deliver occupational therapy services that places the license holder in a position of compromise with this code of ethical conduct.

(13) A license holder shall provide appropriate supervision to persons for whom the practitioner has supervisory responsibility.

(14) A license holder shall only seek compensation that is reasonable for the occupational therapy services delivered. A license holder shall never place the license holder's own financial interests above the welfare of the license holder's clients. A license holder, regardless of the practice setting, shall safeguard the public from unethical and unlawful business practices.

(15) A license holder shall adhere to the minimal standards of acceptable prevailing practice. Failure to adhere to minimal standards of practice, whether or not actual injury to a client occurred, includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Documenting or billing for services not actually performed.

(b) Performing techniques/procedures in which the license holder cannot demonstrate and document competency, either by experience or education.

(c) Practicing in a pattern of negligent conduct, which means a continued course of negligent conduct or of negligent conduct in performing the duties of the profession.

(d) Delegating occupational therapy functions or responsibilities to a person lacking the ability or knowledge to perform the function or responsibility in question.

(e) Failing to ensure that duties assumed by or assigned to other occupational therapy practitioners match credentials, qualifications, experience, and scope of practice.

(f) Violating confidentiality rights by failing to protect and keep confidential personal health information or other private information about clients, other facility care recipients, employees, colleagues, and students without authorization or consent unless otherwise mandated or permitted by relevant law.

(g) Failure to respect privacy rights by accessing personal health information or other private information about clients, other facility care recipients, employees, colleagues, and students without authorization or consent unless otherwise mandated or permitted by relevant law.

(16) A license holder shall respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other health care professionals.

(17) A license holder shall not use or participate in the use of any form of communication that contains false, fraudulent, deceptive, or unfair statements or claims.

The license holder shall demonstrate concern for the well-being of the client. Failure to comply with paragraphs (C)(1) to (C)(17) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall adhere to the minimal standards of acceptable prevailing practice. Failure to adhere to minimal standards of practice, whether or not actual injury to a client occurred, includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Failing to assess and evaluate a client's status or establishing an occupational therapy intervention plan prior to commencing treatment/intervention of a person.

(b) Providing treatment interventions that are not warranted by the client's condition or continuing treatment beyond the point of reasonable benefit to the client.

(c) Providing substandard care as an occupational therapy assistant by exceeding the authority to perform components of interventions selected by the supervising occupational therapist.

(d) Abandoning the client by inappropriately terminating the practitioner-client relationship.

(e) Causing, or permitting another person to cause, physical or emotional injury to the client, or depriving the client of the person's dignity.

(2) A license holder shall transfer the care of the client, as appropriate, to another health care provider in either of the following events:

(a) Elective termination of occupational therapy services by the client; or

(b) Elective termination of the practitioner-client relationship by the license holder.

(3) A license holder shall ensure the client's rights to participate fully in the client's care, including the client's right to select the occupational therapy provider, regardless of the practice setting.

(4) A license holder shall respect the person's right to refuse professional services or involvement in research or educational activities.

(5) A license holder shall disclose any professional, personal, financial, business, research, or volunteer affiliations that may pose a conflict of interest to those with whom the license holder may establish a professional, contractual, or other working relationship.

(6) A license holder shall not influence a client or the client's family to utilize, purchase, or rent any equipment based on direct or indirect financial interests of the license holder. Recommendations of equipment shall be based solely on the therapeutic value of that equipment to the client. A license holder who owns or has a direct financial interest in an equipment or supply company shall disclose the financial interest to the client if the license holder sells or rents, or intends to sell or rent, to that client.

(7) A license holder shall not intentionally or knowingly offer to pay or agree to accept any compensation, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to or from any person or entity for receiving or soliciting clients or patronage, regardless of the source of the compensation.

(8) A license holder shall refer to or consult with other service providers whenever such a referral or consultation would be beneficial to care of the client. The referral or consultation process should be done in collaboration with the client.

(9) A license holder shall not exploit a client, or the parent/guardian of a minor client, sexually, physically, emotionally, financially, socially, or in any other manner.

(10) A license holder shall not engage in conduct that constitutes harassment or verbal or physical abuse of, or unlawful discrimination against, clients, the parent/guardian of a minor client, students, and/or colleagues.

(11) A license holder shall not engage in any sexual relationship or conduct, including dating, with any client, or engage in any conduct that may reasonably be interpreted by the client to be sexual, whether consensual or nonconsensual, while a practitioner-client relationship exists and for six months immediately following the termination of the practitioner-client relationship. In the case of minors, the practitioner-client relationship extends to the minor's parent or guardian.

(a) A license holder shall not intentionally expose or view a completely or partially disrobed client in the course of treatment if the exposure or viewing is not related to the client diagnosis or treatment under current practice standards.

(b) A license holder shall not engage in a conversation with a client that is sexually explicit and unrelated to the occupational therapy intervention plan.

(12) A license holder shall not engage in sexual harassment of clients, the parent/guardian of a minor client, students, and/or colleagues. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, making unwelcome sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, and engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that results in:

(a) Withholding occupational therapy services to a client;

(b) Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or

(13) A license holder shall advocate for clients to obtain needed services through available means.

(14) A license holder shall provide accurate and relevant information to clients about the clients' care and to the public about occupational therapy services.

(a) A license holder shall not guarantee the results of any therapy, consultation, or therapeutic procedure. A guarantee of any sort, expressed or implied, oral or written, is contrary to professional ethics.

(b) A reasonable statement of prognosis is not improper, but successful results are dependent upon many uncontrollable factors. Hence, any warranty is deceptive and unethical.

(15) A license holder shall obtain informed consent from the client.

(a) A license holder, unless otherwise allowed by law, shall not provide care without disclosing to the client or the client's representative, the benefits, substantial risks, if any, or alternatives to the recommended evaluation or intervention.

(b) Information relating to the practitioner-client relationship is confidential and may not be communicated to a third party not involved in that client's care without the prior written consent of the client or the client's representative or unless otherwise allowed by law. Information shall be disclosed when required by law for the protection of the client or the public.

(16) A license holder shall safeguard the public from underutilization or overutilization of occupational therapy services.

(17) A license holder shall respect the rights and dignity of all clients and provide care as follows:

(a) A license holder shall recognize individual differences with clients and shall respect and be responsive to those differences.

(b) A license holder shall be guided by concern for the physical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic welfare of clients.

(c) A license holder shall recognize and understand the impact of the cultural components of age, economics, gender, geography, race, ethnicity, religious and political factors, marital status, sexual orientation, and disability of all clients.

(D) Cooperation.

In accordance with division (A)(19) of section 4755.11 of the Revised Code, license holders shall cooperate with an investigation by the occupational therapy section. Failure to cooperate is conduct detrimental to the best interest of the public and grounds for disciplinary action. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any questions raised by the occupational therapy section and providing copies of the medical records and other documents requested by the occupational therapy section. Failure to comply with paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall respond fully and truthfully to a request for information from the occupational therapy section.

(2) A license holder shall comply with a subpoena issued by the occupational therapy section.

(3) A license holder shall provide information or documents within the time frame specified by the occupational therapy section.

(4) A license holder shall appear and provide information at an interview requested by the occupational therapy section.

(5) A license holder shall not deceive, or attempt to deceive, the occupational therapy section regarding any matter, including by altering or destroying any record or document.

(6) A license holder shall not interfere with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the agency or the occupational therapy section, or by use of threats or harassment against any client or witness to prevent the client or witness from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any other legal action.

(7) A license holder shall not refuse to provide testimony in an administrative hearing.

(E) A license holder shall self report to the occupational therapy section, within thirty days, any of the items outlined in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule. Failure to comply with paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.11 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) Impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol or drugs or other physical or mental illness that affects the applicant's or license holder's ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety. This reporting requirement shall not be applicable where the applicant or license holder is a participant in the board's safe haven program and complies with the same.

(2) Conviction of a felony or intervention in lieu of a felony.

(3) Conviction of a misdemeanor when the act that constituted the misdemeanor occurred during the practice of occupational therapy.

(4) The termination, revocation, or suspension of membership by a state or national occupational therapy professional association.

(5) The termination, revocation, suspension, or sanctioning of a credential issued by a state or national professional credentialing organization.

(6) The termination, revocation, suspension, or sanctioning of a professional license in the state of Ohio or another state.

(7) A positive drug and/or alcohol screening.

(8) A finding of malpractice by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Last updated August 27, 2026 at 2:19 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-02

For the purpose of division 4755:1 of the Administrative Code, the following definitions apply:

(A) "Occupational therapist" means a person who is licensed to practice occupational therapy and who offers such services to the public under any title incorporating the words "occupational therapy," "occupational therapist," or similar title or description of services.

(B) "Occupational therapy assistant" means a person who holds a license to provide occupational therapy techniques under the general supervision of an occupational therapist.

(C) "Student occupational therapist" means a student enrolled in an accredited or candidacy status entry-level occupational therapist education program or a student enrolled in a "World Federation of Occupational Therapy" accredited entry-level occupational therapist education program. A student occupational therapist shall be at least eighteen years old to participate in learning opportunities outside the classroom involving clients.

(D) "Student occupational therapy assistant" means a student enrolled in an accredited or candidacy status entry-level occupational therapy assistant education program. A student occupational therapy assistant shall be at least eighteen years old to participate in learning opportunities outside the classroom involving clients.

(E) "Level I fieldwork" means the introductory fieldwork experiences that are a component of an educational program in occupational therapy in which students develop a basic understanding of the needs of clients through directed observation and supervised participation in the occupational therapy process.

(F) "Level II fieldwork" means the in-depth fieldwork experiences that are a component of an educational program in occupational therapy that provide multiple occupational therapy services to a variety of clients in multiple settings.

(G) "Capstone" means the in-depth exposure in one or more concentrated areas that may include activities that meet developed goals/objectives required of an accredited or candidacy status doctoral program.

(H) "Unlicensed personnel" means any person who is on the job trained and supports the delivery of occupational therapy services by personally assisting the occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, and/or student occupational therapy assistant while the occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, and/or student occupational therapy assistant is concurrently providing services to the same client.

(I) "Supervising occupational therapist" means the occupational therapist who is available to supervise the occupational therapy assistant, the student occupational therapist, student occupational therapy assistant, or unlicensed personnel. The supervising occupational therapist may be the occupational therapist who performed the initial evaluation or another occupational therapist with whom that occupational therapist has a documented agreement.

(J) "Supervising occupational therapy assistant" means the occupational therapy assistant who is appropriately available to supervise the student occupational therapy assistant, the student occupational therapist who is completing the level I fieldwork experience, or unlicensed personnel.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-03 Roles and responsibilities.

(A) Occupational therapist.

The occupational therapist assumes professional responsibility for the provision of all occupational therapy services, of which the following activities shall not be wholly delegated, regardless of the setting in which the services are provided:

(1) Interpretation of referrals or prescriptions for occupational therapy services;

(2) Interpretation and analysis for evaluation purposes;

(3) Development, interpretation, and modification of the treatment/intervention plan and the discharge plan.

(B) Occupational therapy assistant.

(1) The occupational therapy assistant may contribute to and collaborate in:

(a) The evaluation process by gathering data, administering standardized tests and/or objective measurement tools, and reporting observations.

(b) The preparation, implementation, and documentation of the treatment/intervention plan and the discharge plan.

(2) The occupational therapy assistant may independently:

(a) Select the daily modality of choice according to the established treatment/intervention plan.

(b) Document the progress and outcomes summary.

(3) The occupational therapy assistant may not evaluate independently or initiate treatment/intervention before the supervising occupational therapist performs an evaluation.

In accordance with section 4755.13 of the Revised Code, persons fulfilling the supervised fieldwork experience requirements pursuant to section 4755.07 of the Revised Code shall, at the discretion of the supervising occupational therapist or supervising occupational therapy assistant, as appropriate, be assigned duties or functions commensurate with their education and training.

(D) Unlicensed personnel.

The primary function of unlicensed personnel functioning in an occupational therapy setting is to perform designated routine tasks related to the operation and delivery of occupational therapy services. Such tasks may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Routine department maintenance;

(2) Transportation of clients;

(3) Preparation or setting up of treatment equipment and work area;

(4) Taking care of clients' personal needs during treatments;

(5) Assisting in the construction of adaptive equipment and splints;

(6) Clerical, secretarial, and administrative activities; and

(7) Personally assisting the occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, or student occupational therapy assistant while the occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, or student occupational therapy assistant is concurrently providing services to the same client.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-04 Delegation.

(A) Occupational therapy assistant.

The occupational therapy assistant may implement the occupational therapy treatment/intervention plan established by the supervising occupational therapist. The supervising occupational therapist shall consider the following when delegating to the occupational therapy assistant:

(1) The clinical complexity of the client;

(2) The competency of the occupational therapy assistant;

(3) The occupational therapy assistant's level of training in the treatment/intervention technique; and

(4) Whether continual reassessment of the client's status is needed during treatment/intervention.

(5) Notwithstanding paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(4) of this rule, the occupational therapy assistant may respond to acute changes in the client's condition that warrant immediate action.

(B) Student occupational therapist.

The student occupational therapist shall demonstrate appropriate skill and knowledge in duties being delegated. The supervising occupational therapist shall demonstrate knowledge and competency in any procedure or services delegated to a student occupational therapist.

The student occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate appropriate skill and knowledge in duties being delegated. The supervising occupational therapist or supervising occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate knowledge and competency in any procedure or services delegated to a student occupational therapy assistant.

(D) Unlicensed personnel.

(1) Unlicensed personnel may only perform specific tasks which are neither evaluative, task selective, nor recommending in nature. The occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, or student occupational therapy assistant may delegate such tasks only after ensuring that the unlicensed personnel has been appropriately trained for the performance of the tasks.

(2) The occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, and student occupational therapy assistant shall not delegate the following to unlicensed personnel:

(a) Performance of occupational therapy evaluative services;

(b) Initiation, planning, adjustment, modification, or performance of occupational therapy services;

(3) The unlicensed personnel shall not act independently on behalf of the occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, or student occupational therapy assistant in any matter related to occupational therapy treatment.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-05 Supervision.

(A) Supervision shall ensure consumer protection. The supervising occupational therapist is ultimately responsible for all clients and is accountable and responsible at all times for the actions of persons supervised, including the:

(1) Occupational therapy assistant;

(2) Student occupational therapist;

(3) Student occupational therapy assistant; and

(4) Unlicensed personnel.

(B) The following factors shall be considered by the supervising occupational therapist when determining the appropriate frequency, methods, and content of supervision:

(1) Complexity of the client needs;

(2) Number and diversity of clients;

(3) Skills of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant;

(4) Type and number of practice settings;

(5) Requirements of the practice setting; and

(6) Any other regulatory or administrative requirements.

Supervision of the occupational therapy assistant, as defined in division (C) of section 4755.04 of the Revised Code, requires initial direction and periodic inspection of the service delivery and relevant in-service training. The supervising occupational therapist need not be on-site, but shall be available for consultation with the occupational therapy assistant at all times.

(1) The supervising occupational therapist shall provide supervision at least one time per week for all occupational therapy assistants who are in their first year of practice.

(2) The supervising occupational therapist shall provide supervision at least one time per month for all occupational therapy assistants beyond their first year of practice.

(3) Supervision requires an interactive process between the supervising occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant. The interactive process includes review of the following:

(a) Client assessment;

(b) Client reassessment;

(d) Intervention; and

(e) Discontinuation of treatment/intervention plan.

(4) Co-signing client documentation alone does not meet the minimum level of supervision.

(5) The supervising occupational therapy assistant is accountable and responsible at all times for the actions of all student occupational therapy assistants and unlicensed personnel supervised by the supervising occupational therapy assistant.

(D) Student occupational therapist.

(1) Fieldwork and capstone supervision.

(a) A student occupational therapist on level II fieldwork shall be supervised by an occupational therapist who has completed at least one year of professional practice as a fully licensed occupational therapist.

(b) No minimum amount of experience is required to supervise a level I fieldwork student occupational therapist. Supervision should be in accordance with current standards set forth by the accreditation council for occupational therapy education (ACOTE).

(c) A student occupational therapist completing a capstone which includes provision of occupational therapy as defined by section 4755.04 of the Revised Code shall be supervised while they are providing occupational therapy services by an occupational therapist at least one time per week.

(2) A student occupational therapist shall be at least eighteen years old to be supervised by an occupational therapist licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code. This includes supervision for level I and level II fieldwork.

(3) The student occupational therapist, who is being supervised in accordance with the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy, may supervise unlicensed personnel.

(E) Student occupational therapy assistant.

(1) Fieldwork supervision.

(a) A student occupational therapy assistant on level II fieldwork shall be supervised by an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who has completed at least one year of professional practice as a fully licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

(b) No minimum amount of experience is required to supervise a level I fieldwork student occupational therapy assistant. Supervision should be in accordance with current standards set forth by ACOTE.

(2) A student occupational therapy assistant shall be at least eighteen years old to be supervised by an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code. This includes supervision for level I and level II fieldwork.

(3) The student occupational therapy assistant, who is being supervised in accordance with the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy, may supervise unlicensed personnel.

(F) Supervising occupational therapists shall confirm that all occupational therapy assistants they supervise hold current, valid licenses to practice occupational therapy in this state prior to allowing the occupational therapy assistant to engage in the practice of occupational therapy.

(G) Occupational therapy assistants shall confirm that all occupational therapists by whom they are supervised hold current, valid licenses to practice occupational therapy in this state prior to engaging in the practice of occupational therapy.

(H) Any documentation written by an occupational therapy assistant, student occupational therapist, or student occupational therapy assistant for inclusion in the client's official record is co-signed by the supervising occupational therapist.

(I) It is the responsibility of the supervising occupational therapist and/or supervising occupational therapy assistant to establish evidence that the supervision occurred in accordance with the requirements of this rule. This evidence may include documentation in the client record, or it may exist as a separate document, such as a collaboration log.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-06 Telehealth.

(A) "Telehealth" means health care services provided through the use of information and communication technology by a health care professional, within the professional's scope of practice, who is located at a site other than the site where either of the following is located:

(1) The patient receiving the services;

(2) Another health care professional with whom the provider of the services is consulting regarding the patient.

(B) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant may provide telehealth services in accordance with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code.

(C) The standard of care for a patient treated through telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person services.

(D) The license holder shall verify the identity and physical location of the patient or client at the beginning of each telehealth visit.

(E) With respect to the provision of telehealth services, all of the following apply:

(1) A license holder may use synchronous or asynchronous technology to provide telehealth services to a patient during an initial visit if the appropriate standard of care for an initial visit is satisfied.

(2) A license holder may deny a patient telehealth services and, instead, require the patient to undergo an in-person visit if care is continued with that license holder.

(3) When providing telehealth services in accordance with this rule, a license holder shall comply with all requirements under state and federal law regarding the protection of patient information. A license holder shall ensure that any username or password information and any electronic communications between the professional and a patient are securely transmitted and stored.

(4) A license holder may use synchronous or asynchronous technology to provide telehealth services to a patient during an annual visit if the appropriate standard of care for an annual visit is satisfied.

(F) In order to treat a patient or client located in Ohio, an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall have either an Ohio license or a privilege to practice in Ohio via the occupational therapy compact.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-2-07 Required credential to indicate licensure or student status.

(A) All occupational therapists shall use the following credential following their signature to indicate licensure as an occupational therapist:

(1) "OT" or "OT/L" if the occupational therapist does not hold current NBCOT certification; or

(2) "OT," "OTR," or "OTR/L" if the occupational therapist holds current NBCOT certification.

(B) All occupational therapy assistants shall use the following credential following their signature to indicate licensure as an occupational therapy assistant:

(1) "OTA" or "OTA/L" if the occupational therapy assistant does not hold current NBCOT certification; or

(2) "OTA," "COTA," or "COTA/L" if the occupational therapy assistant holds current NBCOT certification.

(1) Student occupational therapist;

(2) Student OT; or

(3) S/OT.

(D) All student occupational therapy assistants shall use one of the following to indicate student status:

(1) Student occupational therapy assistant;

(2) Student OTA; or

(3) S/OTA.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 12:49 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4755:1-3 Continuing Education; Waivers and Exemptions

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:1-3-01 Continuing education.