(a) The board has all the powers and duties set forth in this article, by legislative rule, in article one of this chapter and elsewhere in law.

(b) The board shall:

(1) Hold meetings and conduct hearings;

(2) Establish requirements for licenses and permits;

(3) Establish procedures for submitting, approving and rejecting applications for licenses and permits;

(4) Determine the qualifications of any applicant for a license or permit;

(5) Propose rules for legislative approval relating to professional conduct and ethical standards of practice;

(6) Communicate disciplinary actions to relevant state and federal authorities, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and other applicable authorities when public safety is at risk;

(7) Maintain an office and hire, discharge, establish the job requirements and fix the compensation of employees and contracted employees necessary to enforce the provisions of this article including, but not limited to, the executive secretary;

(8) Investigate alleged violations of the provisions of this article, legislative rules, orders and final decisions of the board;

(9) Conduct disciplinary hearings of persons regulated by the board;

(10) Determine disciplinary action and issue orders;

(11) Institute appropriate legal action for the enforcement of the provisions of this article;

(12) Maintain an accurate registry of names and addresses of all persons regulated by the board;

(13) Keep accurate and complete records of its proceedings, and certify the same as may be necessary and appropriate;

(14) Establish by legislative rule the continuing education and competency requirements for licensees;

(15) Issue, renew, combine, deny, suspend, revoke or reinstate licenses and permits;

(16) Establish a fee schedule;

(17) Take all other actions necessary and proper to effectuate the purposes of this article; and

(18) Propose rules in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to implement the provisions of this article.

(c) The board may:

(1) Approve and contract with third parties to administer the examinations required under the provisions of this article;

(2) Sue and be sued in its official name as an agency of this state; and

(3) Confer with the Attorney General or his or her assistants in connection with legal matters and questions.