Background:

Occupational Therapists.

Occupational therapy is the scientifically-based use of purposeful activity that maximizes independence, prevents disability, and maintains the health of individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process. Examples of the practice of occupational therapy include:

using specifically-designed activities and exercises to enhance neuro-developmental, cognitive, perceptual motor, sensory integrative, and psychomotor functioning;

administering and interpreting tests such as manual muscle and sensory integration;

teaching daily living skills;

developing pre-vocational skills and play and avocational activities;

designing, fabricating, or applying selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or selected adaptive equipment; and

adapting environments for persons with disabilities.

The Purchase, Storage, and Administration of Medications.

Certain health professionals are authorized to purchase, store, and administer medications. For example, physical therapists are authorized to purchase, store, and administer medications such as hydrocortisone (an anti-inflammatory), fluocinonide (an anti-inflammatory), topical anesthetics, silver sulfadiazine (used to treat bacterial or fungal infections), lidocaine (a local anesthetic), magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), zinc oxide (used to treat skin irritations), and other similar medications. A pharmacist who dispenses these drugs to a licensed physical therapist is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by any method of use by the physical therapist.

Summary:

Occupational therapists are authorized to purchase, store, and administer topical and transdermal medications such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, fluocinonide, topical anesthetics, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, and other similar medications, as prescribed by a health care provider with prescribing authority. The administration of the medication must be documented in the patient's medical record. Some medications may be applied by the use of iontophoresis or phonophoresis. An occupational therapist may not purchase, store, or administer controlled substances. A pharmacist who dispenses drugs to a licensed occupational therapist is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by any method of use by the occupational therapist.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	95	0
Senate	44	0