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Arizona Occupational Therapy Legal Definitions

These definitions have been modified for clarity.  

Board

The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

Close Supervision

The supervising OT provides initial direction to the OTA and daily contact while on the premises.

Consultation

The act or procedure of exchanging ideas or information or providing professional advice to another professional or responsible party regarding the provision of occupational therapy services.

Continuous Supervision

The supervising OT is in the immediate area of the occupational therapy aide performing supportive services.

Evaluation

An OT’s assessment of treatment needs within the scope of practice of occupational therapy. Evaluation does not include making a medical diagnosis.

Facility of Practice

The principal location of an agency or organization where an OT or OTA practices occupational therapy.

General Supervision

The supervising OT has face-to-face contact with the OTA at least once every thirty (30) calendar days on a per patient or client basis while on the premises, with the supervising OT available by telephone or by written communication.

Good Moral Character

An applicant has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor within five (5) years before application and never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

Health Care Professional

A person certified as an OT or an OTA by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board or the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. or any medical professional licensed by A.R.S. Title 32 or the equivalent if licensed outside of Arizona.

Immediate Area

An OT is on the same floor and within eighty (80) feet of an occupational therapy aide providing services to an occupational therapy patient.

Letter of Concern

A nondisciplinary advisory letter to notify a licensee that, while there is insufficient evidence to support disciplinary action, the licensee should modify or eliminate certain practices and that continuation of the activities that led to the information being submitted to the board may result in future action against the licensee's license.

Licensee

A person licensed in Arizona as an OT or an OTA.

Minimal Supervision

The supervising OT has face-to-face contact with the OTA at least once every thirty (30) calendar days while on the premises.

Occupational Therapist

A person who is licensed in Arizona to practice occupational therapy and who is a graduate of an accredited occupational therapy education program, completes the approved fieldwork and passes the examination as required by the board pursuant to section 32-3424.

Occupational Therapy

The use of therapeutic activities or modalities to promote engagement in activities with individuals who are limited by physical or cognitive injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, sensory processing or modulation deficits or the aging process in order to achieve optimum functional performance, maximize independence, prevent disability and maintain health. Occupational therapy includes evaluation, treatment and consultation based on the client's temporal, spiritual and cultural values and needs.

Occupational Therapy Aide 

A person who is not licensed as an OT or OTA, working under the continuous supervision of a licensed OT.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

A person who is licensed pursuant to the law, 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.

Physically Present

A supervising OT is present to observe the practice of occupational therapy.

Premises

The building and the surrounding property in which the occupational therapy is practiced.

Routine Supervision

The supervising OT has face-to-face contact with the OTA at least once every fifteen (15) calendar days on a per patient or client basis while on the premises, with the supervising OT available by telephone or by written communication.

Supervision

The giving of instructions by the supervising OT or the OTA that are adequate to ensure the safety of clients during the provision of occupational therapy services and that take into consideration at least the following factors:

  • Skill level.
  • Competency.
  • Experience.
  • Work setting demands.
  • Client population.

Supportive Services

Clerical and maintenance activities, preparation of work area or equipment, and delegated, routine aspects of an intervention session with a patient or client that require no adaptations by an occupational therapy aide.

Reference

A.R.S. § 32-3401

Ariz. Admin. Code § R4-43-101

About Me

Zachary Edgar JD, LLM is Therapy Comply's managing partner.  Zachary is a healthcare attorney who specializes in federal and state healthcare regulatory issues particularly for physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.  

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