HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6267

BYSenators Moore, Nelson, Wojahn, Amondson, Johnson, Smith, Matson, Bauer and Niemi

Changing provisions regulating occupational therapy.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Ranking Republican Member; Cantwell, D. Sommers, Sprenkle, Vekich and Wolfe.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The occupational therapy practice act is scheduled to terminate in accordance with the "sunset" review process on June 30, 1990 unless reenacted by the Legislature.

The practice of occupational therapy is regulated by the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, and persons meeting educational and other requirements specified by law may be licensed by the Department of Health to practice.  Occupational therapy involves the teaching of daily living skills and work and vocational activities to individuals limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or the aging process in order to maximize independence and maintain health.

The Legislative Budget Committee recommended, in its sunset review, that state regulation of occupational therapy be continued and that licensure be required of individuals in order to practice.

The board has authority to require applicants to submit evidence of continued competency when renewing their licenses, although the board has never implemented this authority.

The Legislative Budget Committee also recommended that the need for mandatory continuing education be studied by the legislative standing committees on health care.

SUMMARY:

State regulation of occupational therapy is reenacted with the repeal of the sunset termination dates.

The Board of Occupational Therapy Practice is required to mandate that persons renewing their licenses provide evidence of continuing competency.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 10, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Carol Lossing and Anne James, Washington Occupational Therapists Association; and Jeff Larsen, Washington Assembly for Citizens with Disabilities.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The practice of occupational therapy involves a high degree of skill and presents sufficient risk to the public to justify regulation by the state.  The Legislative Budget Committee conducted its "sunset" review and recommended continuation of state regulation.  The Board of Health came to the same conclusion in its review of the question under the sunset law.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.