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Illinois Occupational Therapy License Exemptions

Other Healthcare Professionals

Any person licensed in Illinois by any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which he is licensed.

Federal Employee

Any person employed as an OT or OTA by the Government of the United States, if such person provides occupational therapy solely under the direction or control of the organization by which the person is employed.

Students

Any person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate in occupational therapy at an accredited or approved educational program if such activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study, and if such person is designated by a title which clearly indicates the person's status as a student or trainee.

Supervised Work Experience

Any person fulfilling the supervised work experience requirements, if such activities and services constitute a part of the experience necessary to meet the requirements.

Short-Term Practice

Any person performing occupational therapy services in Illinois, if such a person is not a resident of this State and is not licensed under this Act, and if such services are performed for no more than 60 days a calendar year in association with an Illinois licensed OT and if such person meets the qualifications for license under this Act and:

    • Such person is licensed under the law of another state which has licensure requirements at least as restrictive as the requirements of this Act, or
    • Such person meets the requirements for certification as an Occupational Therapist Registered (O.T.R.) or a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A.) established by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy or another nationally recognized credentialing body approved by the Board.

New Graduate

The practice of occupational therapy by one who has applied in writing to the Department for a license, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, and has complied with all the provisions of either Section 8 or 9 except the passing of the examination to be eligible to receive such license. In no event shall this exemption extend to any person for longer than 6 months, except as follows:

    • If the date on which a person can take the next available examination authorized by the Department extends beyond six (6) months from the date the person completes the occupational therapy program, the Department shall extend the exemption until the results of that examination become available to the Department; or
    • If the Department is unable to complete its evaluation and processing of a person's application for a license within 6 months after the date on which the application is submitted to the Department in proper form, the Department shall extend the exemption until the Department has completed its evaluation and processing of the application.

In the event such applicant fails the examination, the applicant shall cease work immediately until such time as the applicant is licensed to practice occupational therapy in this State.

Endorsement

The practice of occupational therapy by one who has applied to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, and who is licensed to practice occupational therapy under the laws of another state, territory of the United States or country and who is qualified to receive a license under the provisions of either Section 8 or 9 of this Act. In no event shall this exemption extend to any person for longer than 6 months.

Reference

225 ILCS 75/3

About Us

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

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