ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 1113

     Revising provisions relating to occupational therapy.

Health Care Committee                          January 25, 1999

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS: Representatives Campbell and Cody.

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

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

SUMMARY:  The title of occupational therapist is changed to occupational therapy practitioner.

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, clinical psychologist, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner.