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Arizona OT Supervision and Delegation

Supervision definitions

Supervision" means the giving of instructions by the supervising occupational therapist or the occupational therapy assistant 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.

“Close supervision” means the supervising occupational therapist provides initial direction to the occupational therapy assistant and daily contact while on the premises.

“Continuous supervision” means the supervising occupational therapist is in the immediate area of the occupational therapy aide performing supportive services.

“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.

“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.

“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.

Which services can only be performed by a licensed occupational therapist?

Only a licensed occupational therapist shall:

    • Prepare an initial treatment plan, initiate or re-evaluate a client or patient’s treatment plan, or authorize in writing a change of a treatment plan;
    • Delegate duties to a licensed occupational therapy assistant, designate an assistant’s duties, and assign a level of supervision; and
    • Authorize a patient discharge

What are the responsibilities of the OT when delegating?

An occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant are professionally and legally responsible for supervising client care given by unlicensed personnel or students. If an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant fails to adequately supervise client care given by unlicensed personnel or students, the board may take disciplinary action against the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

Reference

A.R.S. § 32-3401

A.R.S. § 32-3441

A.A.C. R4-43-101

A.A.C R4-43-401

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