(A) There is created the South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy under the administration of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The purpose of this board is to protect the public through the regulation of professionals who identify, assess, and provide treatment for individuals threatened by developmental deficits, the aging process, poverty and cultural differences, physical injury or illness, or psychological or social disability, through the administration and enforcement of this chapter and regulations promulgated under this chapter.

(B) The board consists of seven members to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Five members must be occupational therapists with a minimum of three years' experience; one member must be an occupational therapy assistant with a minimum of one year's experience; and one member must be a lay member. All of the therapists and therapy assistant members must hold active and valid licenses in this State. Nominations for appointment to the board may be made to the Governor by an individual, group, or association. From a list of all licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association may submit recommendations to the Governor of at least two names for each vacancy on the board to be filled by these licensees. Members shall serve terms of three years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The Governor may remove a member of the board as provided for in Section 1-3-240.

HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 356, Section 1.