(A) An occupational therapy assistant only shall assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist and shall:

(1) only accept those duties and responsibilities for which the assistant has been specifically trained and is qualified to perform;

(2) consult with the supervising occupational therapist every seven treatments or thirty days, whichever is first, for each client;

(3) inform the occupational therapist of any changes in a client that may require reevaluation or change in treatment;

(4) contribute to a client evaluation by gathering data, administering structured tests, and reporting observations but may not evaluate a client independently or initiate treatment before a licensed occupational therapist's evaluation.

(B) An occupational therapy aide may perform duties associated with nontreatment aspects of occupational therapy including, but not limited to, transporting clients, preparing treatment areas, attending to the personal needs of clients during treatment sessions, and clerical or housekeeping activities under the direct on-site supervision of a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant. When performing these duties, the occupational therapy aide must be clearly identified by using "O.T./Aide" or another designation approved by the board;

(C) An occupational therapy aide may not:

(1) perform an activity or task which requires licensure under this chapter;

(2) perform an activity or task which requires the exercise of the professional judgment of an occupational therapist; or

(3) develop or model client treatment plans or discharge plans.

(D) An occupational therapy student may perform duties or functions commensurate with the student's training and experience under the direct on-site supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 356, Section 1.