The Role of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board

1. The Role of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board Cincinnati State OTA Program

2. The OT Section of the Ohio OTPTAT Board issues licenses to practice as an OT/OTA in the State of Ohio. The NBCOT certifies individuals as either OTR’s or COTA’s to people who meet their requirements for certification. Certification vs. Licensure OTPTAT Board

3. Certification vs. Licensure • You MUST hold a valid license issued by the OT Section of the Ohio OTPTAT Board to legally practice occupational therapy in the State of Ohio. • Certification  Licensure OTPTAT Board

4. Ohio Revised Code Requirements • R.C. 4755.04 (C) states: An “occupational therapy assistant” means a person who holds a license or limited permit to provide occupational therapy techniques under the general supervision of an occupational therapist. • R.C. 4755.05 states: “No person who does not hold a current license or limited permit … shall practice…” OTPTAT Board

5. Licensure vs. Certification • Although you need a state license to practice, as part of the initial application process, you will need to apply for NBCOT certification to take the NBCOT Exam. • Upon passing the NBCOT Exam, you will receive certification and may call yourself a COTA. This does not mean you can legally practice in Ohio without a license. OTPTAT Board

6. Licensure • If you practice with NBCOT Certification, but not Ohio licensure, you will be disciplined for practicing occupational therapy without a license!! OTPTAT Board

7. Licensure vs. Certification • Once you receive your license to practice in Ohio, NBCOT certification is not required to renew your license to practice. OTPTAT Board

8. OTPTAT v. NBCOT v. OOTAThe Alphabet Soup of the Profession • OTPTAT is your state regulatory agency. It licenses individuals and enforces the practice act. • NBCOT is a certification entity. Certification allows a practitioner to use the credentials OTR or COTA. It is not mandatory that you hold certification. OTPTAT Board

9. OTPTAT v. NBCOT v. OOTA • OOTA is the state professional association. Along with the AOTA, it advocates on the state/federal level for the profession. • The professional association  the licensing board. • State licensure does not require OOTA membership. OTPTAT Board

10. Mission of the OT Section The Mission of the OT Section is to Protect the Public, NOT the Licensee OTPTAT Board

11. Composition of the Board • Joint Board consisting of an Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Section • Total of 8 full-time staff • OT Section has 5 Section members OTPTAT Board

12. Board Members (Term Expires) • Kimberly Lawler, OT, Frazeyburg (8/27/10) • OT Section Chair • Jean Halpin, OT, Westerville (8/27/11) • OT Section Secretary • Rebecca Finni, OT, Amelia (8/27/10) • Nanette Shoemaker, OTA, Miamisburg (8/27/12) • Mary Stover, OT, Columbus (8/27/12) OTPTAT Board

13. OTPTAT Board Info • Staff: 2 Administrative Staff, 3 Investigative Staff, and 3 Licensure Staff • Website - http://otptat.ohio.gov • Any Board-related information you need can be obtained from the website: e.g.: Applications, Laws and Rules, Newsletter, etc. OTPTAT Board

14. Limited Permit Only for those who have not yet taken the NBCOT Exam Allows applicant to work prior to passage of the NBCOT Exam Full Licensure Applicant must have already passed the NBCOT Exam Licensure (cont’d) OTPTAT Board

15. Limited Permit • Prior to working on a Limited Permit, you must: • Have your completed application approved by the OT Section; • Pay the $100 application fee; and • Pass the Ohio Laws and Rules Exam • Anyone who has failed the NBCOT Exam is NOT eligible to receive a Limited Permit OTPTAT Board

16. Limited Permit (cont’d) • You may practice as an OT/OTA under the supervision of a licensed OT • Limited Permit valid for 4 months or until results of NBCOT Exam are known, whichever comes first • If you fail the NBCOT Exam, your Limited Permit immediately expires and you must stop working OTPTAT Board

17. Limited Permit (cont’d) • If you pass NBCOT Exam, you will automatically be granted a full license without a new application. • If you fail the NBCOT Exam, you must immediately stop working and reapply for full licensure. OTPTAT Board

18. Limited Permit (cont’d) • Board planning to eliminate limited permits • Public hearing on proposed rule change occurred in January 2010 • Planned effective date of amended rule is May 1, 2011 OTPTAT Board

19. Criminal Records Checks • HB 104 requires the Board to receive the results of a criminal records check before issuance of a license. • The law requires the applicant to submit the results of a criminal records check conducted by both the FBI and Ohio BCI. • Only applies to initial license applications. • No fingerprints needed for renewal or reinstatement. • http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services/Business/WebCheck OTPTAT Board

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23. I Have My License. Now What? • Your first renewal: • Check your authorization to practice letter to determine when your initial license expires. • All OTA licenses expire on June 30 of even numbered years. • If initial issue date is on or before April 1, 2010, your license will expire on 6/30/2010. • If initial issue date is after April 1, 2010, your license will expire on 6/30/2012. OTPTAT Board

24. I Have My License. Now What? • OTA Licensees (OAC 4755-3-10): • Licenses expire on June 30 of even numbered years. • Must submit 20 contact hours of CE • All CE must be completed in 24-month period ending on June 30 of the even year. • You are exempt from CE for first renewal if you obtained an initial license by exam w/in 12 months of program completion of entry-level OTA program. OTPTAT Board

25. Continuing Education • Rules 4755-9-01 and 9-02 of the Administrative Code govern the continuing education requirements. • CE requirements for the Board may vary from those required by NBCOT. OTPTAT Board

26. Continuing Education (cont’d) • Ohio law does not require pre-approval of CE courses. • According to rule 4755-9-01, a CE course is usually considered an acceptable learning activity if it is directly related to the clinical practice, management, or education of occupational therapy practitioners. OTPTAT Board

27. Continuing Education (cont’d) • The OT Section automatically accepts courses that have been sponsored or approved by: • OT Section; • AOTA; • OOTA; • Offered by an AOTA Approved Provider. OTPTAT Board

28. I Have My License. Now What? • What happens on July 1? • If you did not renew, your license automatically expires. • Renewal means the Board received AND processed your renewal application. • To return to active practice in Ohio, you must submit a reinstatement application. OTPTAT Board

29. Don’t Wait Until June 30 to Renew OTPTAT Board

30. Change of Address • Ohio law requires all licensees to notify the Board, in writing, of a change of address within THIRTY days of the change. • Failure to notify the Board, could result in the delay of the processing of your renewal application. OTPTAT Board

31. State Application Information In this state: http://otptat.ohio.gov If you’re applying in another state: http://www.nbcot.org to obtain a directory of State OT Boards OTPTAT Board

32. Submitting the Application • Applicants for initial licensure can submit a paper application or apply on-line • Paper applications can be downloaded from the Board’s website • Apply on-line through the Ohio e-License Center • https://license.ohio.gov • Select “Application Site” option OTPTAT Board

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36. Contacting the Board • You may contact the Board by any of the following methods: • Internet: http://otptat.ohio.gov • Email: board@otptat.ohio.gov • Phone: 614-466-3774 • Fax: 614-995-0816 • OT Section Ohio OTPTAT Board 77 S. High Street, 16th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6108 OTPTAT Board