How is occupational therapy defined in Delaware?

Practice of occupational therapy means the use of goal-directed activities with individuals who are limited by physical limitations due to injury or illness, psychiatric and emotional disorders, developmental or learning disabilities, poverty and cultural differences, or the aging process, in order to maximize independence, prevent disability, and maintain health.

What is included in the practice of occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy services in Delaware includes any of the following:

• The assessment, treatment, and education of or consultation with an individual, family, or other persons.
• Interventions directed toward developing, improving, or restoring daily living skills, work readiness or work performance, play skills, or leisure capacities, or enhancing educational performance skills.
• Providing for the development, improvement, or restoration of sensorimotor, oralmotor, perceptual or neuromuscular functioning, or emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.

Occupational therapy may require assessment of the need for use of interventions such as:

• The design, development, adaptation, application, or training in the use of assistive technology devices;
• The design, fabrication, or application of rehabilitative technology such as selected orthotic devices;
• Training in the use of assistive technology, orthotic or prosthetic devices;
• The application of thermal agent modalities, including paraffin, hot and cold packs, and fluido therapy, as an adjunct to, or in preparation for, purposeful activity;
• The use of ergonomic principles;
• The adaptation of environments and processes to enhance functional performance; or
• The promotion of health and wellness.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

N/A

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

Upon the request of the Board, or a member of the public, the licensee shall produce documentation demonstrating competence to administer a particular treatment modality.

Competence may be shown by documented professional education, such as continuing education, in-service training or accredited higher education programs with documented coursework related to the modality in question. Determination of competence is at the discretion of the Board.

Reference

Del. Code tit. 24 §2002

24 De. Reg. 380.50