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Arizona OT Assistants

Which services are OTAs allowed to practice?

"Occupational therapy assistant" means a person who is licensed, who is a graduate of an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program, who assists in the practice of occupational therapy and who performs delegated procedures commensurate with the person's education and training.

Are there specific services that OTAs are prohibited from practicing?

A licensed occupational therapy assistant shall not:

    • Evaluate or develop a treatment plan independently;
    • Initiate a treatment plan before a client or patient is evaluated and a treatment plan is prepared by an occupational therapist;
    • Continue a treatment procedure appearing harmful to a patient or client until the procedure is reevaluated by an occupational therapist; or
    • Continue or discontinue occupational therapy services unless the treatment plan is approved or re-approved by a supervising occupational therapist.

What type of supervision is required?

Less than 12 months of practice

Not less than routine supervision if the occupational therapy assistant has less than twelve (12) months work experience in a particular practice setting or with a particular skill.

“Routine supervision” means the supervising occupational therapist has face-to-face contact with the occupational therapy assistant at least once every fifteen (15) calendar days on a per patient or client basis while on the premises, with the supervising occupational therapist available by telephone or by written communication.

Between 12 and 24 months of practice

Not less than general supervision if the occupational therapy assistant has more than twelve (12) months but less than twenty-four (24) months of experience in a particular practice setting or with a particular skill.

“General supervision” means the supervising occupational therapist has face-to-face contact with the occupational therapy assistant at least once every thirty (30) calendar days on a per patient or client basis while on the premises, with the supervising occupational therapist available by telephone or by written communication.

More than 24 months of experience

Not less than minimal supervision if an occupational therapy assistant has more than twenty-four (24) months of experience in a particular practice setting or with a particular skill.

“Minimal supervision” means the supervising occupational therapist has face-to-face contact with the occupational therapy assistant at least once every thirty (30) calendar days while on the premises.

Increased level of supervision, if necessary, for the safety of a patient or client.

Does the supervising occupational therapist need to co-sign documentation created by the OTA?

N/A

What is the ratio between supervising OTs and OTAs?

N/A

Designation for assistants

A person who is licensed to practice as an OTA and who is in good standing may use the title of licensed occupational therapy assistant and the abbreviation "O.T.A.", "O.T.A./L.", "C.O.T.A." or "C.O.T.A./L.".

Reference

A.A.C R4-43-402

A.R.S. § 32-3441

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