SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6267

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

Changing provisions regulating occupational therapy.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 7, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 6, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The practice of occupational therapy is defined as the scientifically based use of purposeful activity with individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or the aging process in order to maximize independence, prevent disability, and maintain health.  The focus for occupational therapy services is to teach these individuals daily living skills, work activities, vocational activities and play and leisure activities.

The state currently license occupational therapists under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act (Chapter 18.59 RCW) and the profession is governed by the Occupational Therapy Practice Board.  The practice act is due to terminate under the sunset law by June 1990 unless the Legislature repeals the sunset termination.  The Legislative Budget Committee recently reviewed the need for licensure of the profession and the committee voted to continue licensure.  It also recommended that the standing health care committees in the Legislature further study the need for mandatory continuing education.  Current statutes provide permissive language allowing the board the option of establishing requirements for continuing competency as a prerequisite for licensure renewal.

SUMMARY:

The sunset termination date is repealed.  The Occupational Therapy Board is directed to establish requirements for license renewal which provide evidence of continued competency.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 10, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Laura Rubart, WOTA (pro); Anne James, Carole Lossing, WOTA (pro); Melinda Glass, WOTA (pro); Angela Gause, WOTA (pro); Karen Jones, WOTA (pro); C.A. McNurlin, AARP; Jeff Larsen, Washington Assembly for Citizens with Disabilities (pro); Bill Stoner, Department of Labor and Industries (pro); Margaret Reynolds, WOTA (pro); Margaret Sweasy, NW Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (pro)