FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1113

                         C 333 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to occupational therapy.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (Originally sponsored by Representatives Campbell, Cody and Boldt).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are licensed by the state for the practice of occupational therapy.  No person may represent himself or herself as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant without holding a license.

An occupational therapist may treat a patient only upon the referral of a physician or podiatrist licensed in this state.

There is no definition of an occupational therapy practitioner provided in the law.

Summary:

A definition of "occupational therapy practitioner" is added, referring collectively to both an occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant when used in the law for a common purpose.

The class of health providers who may refer a patient for treatment by an occupational therapy practitioner is expanded to include an osteopathic physician, podiatric physician, naturopath, chiropractor, physician assistant, psychologist, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner.

Votes on Final Passage:

House940

House950(House reconsidered)

Senate430

Effective:July 25, 1999