LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
10/15/2024

Chapter 80. Regulations Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy

Part I
General Provisions

18VAC85-80-10. Definitions.

A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in § 54.1-2900 of the Code of Virginia:

"Board"

"Occupational therapy assistant"

"Practice of occupational therapy"

B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"ACOTE" means the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

"Active practice" means a minimum of 160 hours of professional practice as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant within the 24-month period immediately preceding renewal or application for licensure, if previously licensed or certified in another jurisdiction. The active practice of occupational therapy may include supervisory, administrative, educational, or consultative activities or responsibilities for the delivery of such services.

"Advisory board" means the Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy.

"Compact" means the Occupational Therapy Interjurisdictional Licensure Compact.

"Compact privilege" means the same as the definition of the term in § 54.1-2956.7:1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Contact hour" means 60 minutes of time spent in continued learning activity.

"NBCOT" means the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, under which the national examination for certification is developed and implemented.

"National examination" means the examination prescribed by NBCOT for certification as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant and approved for licensure in Virginia.

"Occupational therapy personnel" means appropriately trained individuals who provide occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

"Practitioner" means an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed in Virginia or an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant practicing in Virginia with a compact privilege.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 1.1, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 17, Issue 17, eff. June 6, 2001; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 40, Issue 18, eff. May 22, 2024.

18VAC85-80-20. Public participation.

A separate regulation, 18VAC85-11, Public Participation Guidelines, provides for involvement of the public in the development of all regulations of the Virginia Board of Medicine.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 and Chapter 29 (§ 54.1-2900 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 1.2, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000.

18VAC85-80-25. Current name and address.

Each licensee shall furnish the board his current name and address of record. All notices required by law or by this chapter to be given by the board to any such licensee shall be validly given when sent to the latest address of record provided or served to the licensee. Any change of name or address of record or the public address, if different from the address of record, shall be furnished to the board within 30 days of such change.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 23, eff. August 19, 2009; Volume 35, Issue 12, eff. March 22, 2019.

18VAC85-80-26. Fees.

A. The following fees have been established by the board:

1. The initial fee for the occupational therapist license shall be $130; for the occupational therapy assistant, it shall be $70.

2. The fee for reinstatement of the occupational therapist license that has been lapsed for two years or more shall be $180; for the occupational therapy assistant, it shall be $90.

3. The fee for active license renewal for an occupational therapist shall be $135; for an occupational therapy assistant, it shall be $70. The fees for inactive license renewal shall be $70 for an occupational therapist and $35 for an occupational therapy assistant. Renewals shall be due in the birth month of the licensee in each even-numbered year. For 2020, the fee for renewal of an active license as an occupational therapist shall be $108; for an occupational therapy assistant, it shall be $54. For renewal of an inactive license in 2020, the fees shall be $54 for an occupational therapist and $28 for an occupational therapy assistant.

4. The additional fee for processing a late renewal application within one renewal cycle shall be $50 for an occupational therapist and $30 for an occupational therapy assistant.

5. The fee for a letter of good standing or verification to another jurisdiction for a license shall be $10.

6. The fee for reinstatement of licensure pursuant to § 54.1-2408.2 of the Code of Virginia shall be $2,000.

7. The handling fee for a returned check or a dishonored credit card or debit card shall be $50.

8. The fee for a duplicate license shall be $5.00, and the fee for a duplicate wall certificate shall be $15.

9. The fee for an application or for the biennial renewal of a restricted volunteer license shall be $35, due in the licensee's birth month. An additional fee for late renewal of licensure shall be $15 for each renewal cycle.

10. The fee for issuance of a compact privilege or the biennial renewal of such privilege shall be $75 for an occupational therapist and $40 for an occupational therapy assistant.

B. Unless otherwise provided, fees established by the board shall not be refundable.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 9, eff. February 8, 2006; Volume 23, Issue 9, eff. February 7, 2007; Volume 24, Issue 11, eff. March 5, 2008; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 29, Issue 26, eff. September 25, 2013; Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 7, eff. December 27, 2017; Volume 36, Issue 1, eff. October 2, 2019; Volume 36, Issue 11, eff. March 5, 2020; Volume 40, Issue 18, eff. May 22, 2024.

18VAC85-80-30. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 2.1, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997.

Part II
Requirements of Licensure As an Occupational Therapist

18VAC85-80-35. Application requirements.

An applicant for licensure shall submit the following on forms provided by the board:

1. A completed application and a fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.

2. Verification of professional education in occupational therapy as required in 18VAC85-80-40.

3. Verification of practice as required in 18VAC85-80-60 and as specified on the application form.

4. Documentation of passage of the national examination as required in 18VAC85-80-50.

5. If licensed or certified in any other jurisdiction, verification that there has been no disciplinary action taken or pending in that jurisdiction.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400, 54.1-2956.1, and 54.1-2956.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002.

18VAC85-80-40. Educational requirements.

A. An applicant who has received his professional education in the United States, its possessions or territories, shall successfully complete all academic and fieldwork requirements of an accredited educational program as verified by the ACOTE.

B. An applicant who has received his professional education outside the United States, its possessions or territories, shall successfully complete all academic and clinical fieldwork requirements of a program approved by a member association of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists as verified by the candidate's occupational therapy program director and as required by the NBCOT and submit proof of proficiency in the English language by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score acceptable to the board. TOEFL may be waived upon evidence of English proficiency.

C. An applicant who does not meet the educational requirements as prescribed in subsection A or B of this section but who has received certification by the NBCOT as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant shall be eligible for licensure in Virginia and shall provide the board verification of his education, training and work experience acceptable to the board.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 2.2, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-45. Practice by a graduate awaiting examination results.

A. A graduate of an accredited occupational therapy educational program may practice with the designated title of "Occupational Therapist, License Applicant" or "O.T.L.-Applicant" until he has received a failing score on the licensure examination from NBCOT or for six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner. The graduate shall use one of the designated titles on any identification or signature in the course of his practice.

B. A graduate of an accredited occupational therapy assistant educational program may practice with the designated title of "Occupational Therapy Assistant-License Applicant" or "O.T.A.-Applicant" until he has received a failing score on the licensure examination from NBCOT or for six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner. The graduate shall use one of the designated titles on any identification or signature in the course of his practice.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 30, Issue 24, eff. August 27, 2014.

18VAC85-80-50. Examination requirements.

A. An applicant for licensure to practice as an occupational therapist shall submit evidence to the board that he has passed the certification examination for an occupational therapist and any other examination required for initial certification from the NBCOT.

B. An applicant for licensure to practice as an occupational therapy assistant shall submit evidence to the board that he has passed the certification examination for an occupational therapy assistant and any other examination required for initial certification from the NBCOT.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 2.3, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-60. Practice requirements.

An applicant who has been practicing occupational therapy in another jurisdiction and has met the requirements for licensure in Virginia shall provide evidence that he has engaged in the active practice of occupational therapy as defined in 18VAC85-80-10. If the applicant has not engaged in active practice as defined in 18VAC85-80-10, he shall serve a board-approved practice of 160 hours, which is to be completed within 60 consecutive days, under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400, 54.1-2956.1, and 54.1-2956.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 2.4, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002.

18VAC85-80-61. (Repealed.)

Statutory Authority

of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. August 24, 2005; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-65. Registration for voluntary practice by out-of-state licensees.

Any occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who does not hold a license to practice in Virginia and who seeks registration to practice under subdivision 27 of § 54.1-2901 of the Code of Virginia on a voluntary basis under the auspices of a publicly supported, all volunteer, nonprofit organization that sponsors the provision of health care to populations of underserved people shall:

1. File a complete application for registration on a form provided by the board at least five business days prior to engaging in such practice. An incomplete application will not be considered;

2. Provide a complete record of professional licensure in each state in which he has held a license and a copy of any current license;

3. Provide the name of the nonprofit organization, the dates and location of the voluntary provision of services;

4. Pay a registration fee of $10; and

5. Provide a notarized statement from a representative of the nonprofit organization attesting to its compliance with provisions of subdivision 27 of § 54.1-2901 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. June 18, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

Part III
Renewal of Licensure; Reinstatement

18VAC85-80-70. Biennial renewal of licensure.

A. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant shall renew his license biennially during his birth month in each even-numbered year by:

1. Paying to the board the renewal fee prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26;

2. Indicating that he has been engaged in the active practice of occupational therapy as defined in 18VAC85-80-10; and

3. Attesting to completion of continued competency requirements as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-71.

B. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant whose license has not been renewed by the first day of the month following the month in which renewal is required shall pay an additional fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.

C. In order to renew a compact privilege to practice in Virginia, the holder shall comply with the rules adopted by the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission in effect at the time of the renewal.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 3.1, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 17, Issue 17, eff. June 6, 2001; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 40, Issue 18, eff. May 22, 2024.

18VAC85-80-71. Continued competency requirements for renewal of an active license.

A. In order to renew an active license biennially, a licensee shall complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing learning activities as follows:

1. A minimum of 10 of the 20 hours shall be in Type 1 activities, which shall consist of an organized program of study, classroom experience, or similar educational experience that is related to a licensee's current or anticipated roles and responsibilities in occupational therapy and approved or provided by one of the following organizations or any of its components:

a. Virginia Occupational Therapy Association;

b. American Occupational Therapy Association;

c. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy;

d. Local, state, or federal government agency;

e. Regionally accredited college or university;

f. Health care organization accredited by a national accrediting organization granted authority by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure compliance with Medicare conditions of participation; or

g. An American Medical Association Category 1 Continuing Medical Education program.

2. No more than 10 of the 20 hours may be Type 2 activities, which may include consultation with another therapist, independent reading or research, preparation for a presentation, or other such experiences that promote continued learning. Up to two of the Type 2 continuing education hours may be satisfied through delivery of occupational therapy services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of health services. One hour of continuing education may be credited for three hours of providing such volunteer services as documented by the health department or free clinic.

B. A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing competency requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure in Virginia.

C. The licensee shall retain in the licensee's records all supporting documentation for a period of six years following the renewal of an active license.

D. The board shall periodically conduct a representative random audit of its active licensees to determine compliance. The licensees selected for the audit shall provide all supporting documentation within 30 days of receiving notification of the audit.

E. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

F. The board may grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements for up to one year for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.

G. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the requirements for circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2912.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 17, eff. June 6, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. March 9, 2017; Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. October 4, 2017; Volume 34, Issue 5, eff. December 14, 2017; Volume 40, Issue 18, eff. May 22, 2024.

18VAC85-80-72. Inactive licensure.

A. A licensed occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who holds a current, unrestricted license in Virginia shall, upon a request on the renewal application and submission of the required fee, be issued an inactive license. The holder of an inactive license shall not be required to maintain hours of active practice or meet the continued competency requirements of 18VAC85-80-71 and shall not be entitled to perform any act requiring a license to practice occupational therapy in Virginia.

B. An inactive licensee may reactivate his license upon submission of the following:

1. An application as required by the board;

2. A payment of the difference between the current renewal fee for inactive licensure and the renewal fee for active licensure;

3. If the license has been inactive for two to six years, documentation of having engaged in the active practice of occupational therapy or having completed a board-approved practice of 160 hours within 60 consecutive days under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist; and

4. Documentation of completed continued competency hours equal to the requirement for the number of years, not to exceed four years, in which the license has been inactive.

C. An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who has had an inactive license for six years or more and who has not engaged in active practice, as defined in 18VAC85-80-10, shall serve a board-approved practice of 320 hours to be completed in four consecutive months under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

D. The board reserves the right to deny a request for reactivation to any licensee who has been determined to have committed an act in violation of § 54.1-2915 of the Code of Virginia or any provisions of this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 17, eff. June 6, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 1, eff. October 17, 2007; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-73. Restricted volunteer license.

A. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who held an unrestricted license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine or by a board in another state as a licensee in good standing at the time the license expired or became inactive may be issued a restricted volunteer license to practice without compensation in a clinic that is organized in whole or in part for the delivery of health care services without charge in accordance with § 54.1-106 of the Code of Virginia.

B. To be issued a restricted volunteer license, an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall submit an application to the board that documents compliance with requirements of § 54.1-2928.1 of the Code of Virginia and the application fee prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.

C. The licensee who intends to continue practicing with a restricted volunteer license shall renew biennially during his birth month, meet the continued competency requirements prescribed in subsection D of this section, and pay to the board the renewal fee prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.

D. The holder of a restricted volunteer license shall not be required to attest to hours of continuing education for the first renewal of such a license. For each renewal thereafter, the licensee shall attest to obtaining 10 hours of continuing education during the biennial renewal period with at least five hours of Type 1 and no more than five hours of Type 2 as specified in 18VAC85-80-71.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 11, eff. March 5, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-80. Reinstatement.

A. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who allows his license to lapse for a period of two years or more and chooses to resume his practice shall submit a reinstatement application to the board and information on any practice and licensure or certification in other jurisdictions during the period in which the license was lapsed, and shall pay the fee for reinstatement of his licensure as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.

B. An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who has allowed his license to lapse for two years but less than six years, and who has not engaged in active practice as defined in 18VAC85-80-10, shall serve a board-approved practice of 160 hours to be completed in two consecutive months under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

C. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who has allowed his license to lapse for six years or more, and who has not engaged in active practice, shall serve a board-approved practice of 320 hours to be completed in four consecutive months under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

D. An applicant for reinstatement shall meet the continuing competency requirements of 18VAC85-80-71 for the number of years the license has been lapsed, not to exceed four years.

E. An occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant whose license has been revoked by the board and who wishes to be reinstated shall make a new application to the board and payment of the fee for reinstatement of his license as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26 pursuant to § 54.1-2408.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 3.2, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 7, eff. January 19, 2000; Volume 17, Issue 17, eff. June 6, 2001; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 9, eff. February 7, 2007; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

Part IV
Practice of Occupational Therapy

18VAC85-80-90. General responsibilities.

A. An occupational therapist renders services of assessment, program planning, and therapeutic treatment upon request for such service. The practice of occupational therapy includes therapeutic use of occupations for habilitation and rehabilitation to enhance physical health, mental health, and cognitive functioning. The practice of occupational therapy may include supervisory, administrative, educational or consultative activities or responsibilities for the delivery of such services.

B. An occupational therapy assistant renders services under the supervision of an occupational therapist that do not require the clinical decision or specific knowledge, skills and judgment of a licensed occupational therapist and do not include the discretionary aspects of the initial assessment, evaluation or development of a treatment plan for a patient.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 4.1, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

18VAC85-80-100. Individual responsibilities.

A. An occupational therapist provides assessment by determining the need for, the appropriate areas of, and the estimated extent and time of treatment. His responsibilities include an initial screening of the patient to determine need for services and the collection, evaluation and interpretation of data necessary for treatment.

B. An occupational therapist provides program planning by identifying treatment goals and the methods necessary to achieve those goals for the patient. The therapist analyzes the tasks and activities of the program, documents the progress, and coordinates the plan with other health, community or educational services, the family and the patient. The services may include but are not limited to education and training in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL); the design, fabrication, and application of orthoses (splints); the design, selection, and use of adaptive equipment and assistive technologies; therapeutic activities to enhance functional performance; vocational evaluation and training; and consultation concerning the adaptation of physical, sensory, and social environments.

C. An occupational therapist provides the specific activities or therapeutic methods to improve or restore optimum functioning, to compensate for dysfunction, or to minimize disability of patients impaired by physical illness or injury, emotional, congenital or developmental disorders, or by the aging process.

D. An occupational therapy assistant is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of those services or tasks delegated by and under the direction of the occupational therapist. Individual responsibilities of an occupational therapy assistant may include:

1. Participation in the evaluation or assessment of a patient by gathering data, administering tests, and reporting observations and client capacities to the occupational therapist;

2. Participation in intervention planning, implementation, and review;

3. Implementation of interventions as determined and assigned by the occupational therapist;

4. Documentation of patient responses to interventions and consultation with the occupational therapist about patient functionality;

5. Assistance in the formulation of the discharge summary and follow-up plans; and

6. Implementation of outcome measurements and provision of needed patient discharge resources.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 4.2, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010; Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

18VAC85-80-110. Supervisory responsibilities of an occupational therapist.

A. Delegation to an occupational therapy assistant.

1. An occupational therapist shall be ultimately responsible and accountable for patient care and occupational therapy outcomes under his clinical supervision.

2. An occupational therapist shall not delegate the discretionary aspects of the initial assessment, evaluation or development of a treatment plan for a patient nor shall he delegate any task requiring a clinical decision or the knowledge, skills, and judgment of a licensed occupational therapist.

3. Delegation shall only be made if, in the judgment of the occupational therapist, the task or procedures do not require the exercise of professional judgment, can be properly and safely performed by an appropriately trained occupational therapy assistant, and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the patient.

4. Delegated tasks or procedures shall be communicated to an occupational therapy assistant on a patient-specific basis with clear, specific instructions for performance of activities, potential complications, and expected results.

B. The frequency, methods, and content of supervision are dependent on the complexity of patient needs, number and diversity of patients, demonstrated competency and experience of the assistant, and the type and requirements of the practice setting. The occupational therapist providing clinical supervision shall meet with the occupational therapy assistant to review and evaluate treatment and progress of the individual patients at least once every tenth treatment session or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first. For the purposes of this subsection, group treatment sessions shall be counted the same as individual treatment sessions.

C. An occupational therapist may provide clinical supervision for up to six occupational therapy personnel, to include no more than three occupational therapy assistants at any one time.

D. The occupational therapy assistant shall document in the patient record any aspects of the initial evaluation, treatment plan, discharge summary, or other notes on patient care performed by the assistant. The supervising occupational therapist shall countersign such documentation in the patient record at the time of the review and evaluation required in subsection B of this section.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 4.3, eff. January 31, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002; Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-111. Supervision of unlicensed occupational therapy personnel.

A. Unlicensed occupational therapy personnel may be supervised by an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.

B. Unlicensed occupational therapy personnel may be utilized to perform:

1. Nonclient-related tasks including, but not limited to, clerical and maintenance activities and the preparation of the work area and equipment; and

2. Certain routine patient-related tasks that, in the opinion of and under the supervision of an occupational therapist, have no potential to adversely impact the patient or the patient's treatment plan.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 11, eff. March 3, 2010.

18VAC85-80-120. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-08-1 § 5.1, eff. January 31, 1991; amended VR465-08-1 § 5.1, eff. January 31, 1991; Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 9, eff. February 23, 1994; Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. June 11, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 13, eff. April 12, 2000; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 1, eff. October 23, 2002.

Part V
Standards of Professional Conduct

18VAC85-80-130. Confidentiality.

A practitioner shall not willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

18VAC85-80-140. Patient records.

A. Practitioners shall comply with the provisions of § 32.1-127.1:03 of the Code of Virginia related to the confidentiality and disclosure of patient records.

B. Practitioners shall provide patient records to another practitioner or to the patient or his personal representative in a timely manner and in accordance with provisions of § 32.1-127.1:03 of the Code of Virginia.

C. Practitioners shall properly manage and keep timely, accurate, legible and complete patient records.

D. Practitioners who are employed by a health care institution, school system or other entity in which the individual practitioner does not own or maintain his own records shall maintain patient records in accordance with the policies and procedures of the employing entity.

E. Practitioners who are self-employed or employed by an entity in which the individual practitioner does own and is responsible for patient records shall:

1. Maintain a patient record for a minimum of six years following the last patient encounter with the following exceptions:

a. Records of a minor child, including immunizations, shall be maintained until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes emancipated, with a minimum time for record retention of six years from the last patient encounter regardless of the age of the child;

b. Records that have previously been transferred to another practitioner or health care provider or provided to the patient or his personal representative; or

c. Records that are required by contractual obligation or federal law may need to be maintained for a longer period of time.

2. From October 19, 2005, post information or in some manner inform all patients concerning the time frame for record retention and destruction. Patient records shall only be destroyed in a manner that protects patient confidentiality, such as by incineration or shredding.

F. When a practitioner is closing, selling or relocating his practice, he shall meet the requirements of § 54.1-2405 of the Code of Virginia for giving notice that copies of records can be sent to any like-regulated provider of the patient's choice or provided to the patient.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

18VAC85-80-150. Practitioner-patient communication; termination of relationship.

A. Communication with patients.

1. Except as provided in § 32.1-127.1:03 F of the Code of Virginia, a practitioner shall accurately present information to a patient or his legally authorized representative in understandable terms and encourage participation in decisions regarding the patient's care.

2. A practitioner shall not deliberately make a false or misleading statement regarding the practitioner's skill or the efficacy or value of a treatment or procedure provided or directed by the practitioner in the treatment of any disease or condition.

3. Practitioners shall adhere to requirements of § 32.1-162.18 of the Code of Virginia for obtaining informed consent from patients prior to involving them as subjects in human research with the exception of retrospective chart reviews.

B. Termination of the practitioner/patient relationship.

1. The practitioner or the patient may terminate the relationship. In either case, the practitioner shall make the patient record available, except in situations where denial of access is allowed by law.

2. A practitioner shall not terminate the relationship or make his services unavailable without documented notice to the patient that allows for a reasonable time to obtain the services of another practitioner.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

18VAC85-80-160. Practitioner responsibility.

A. A practitioner shall not:

1. Perform procedures or techniques that are outside the scope of his practice or for which he is not trained and individually competent;

2. Knowingly allow subordinates to jeopardize patient safety or provide patient care outside of the subordinate's scope of practice or their area of responsibility. Practitioners shall delegate patient care only to subordinates who are properly trained and supervised;

3. Engage in an egregious pattern of disruptive behavior or interaction in a health care setting that interferes with patient care or could reasonably be expected to adversely impact the quality of care rendered to a patient; or

4. Exploit the practitioner/patient relationship for personal gain.

B. Advocating for patient safety or improvement in patient care within a health care entity shall not constitute disruptive behavior provided the practitioner does not engage in behavior prohibited in subdivision A 3 of this section.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

18VAC85-80-170. Sexual contact.

A. For purposes of § 54.1-2915 A 12 and A 19 of the Code of Virginia and this section, sexual contact includes, but is not limited to, sexual behavior or verbal or physical behavior that:

1. May reasonably be interpreted as intended for the sexual arousal or gratification of the practitioner, the patient, or both; or

2. May reasonably be interpreted as romantic involvement with a patient regardless of whether such involvement occurs in the professional setting or outside of it.

B. Sexual contact with a patient.

1. The determination of when a person is a patient for purposes of § 54.1-2915 A 19 of the Code of Virginia is made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature, extent, and context of the professional relationship between the practitioner and the person. The fact that a person is not actively receiving treatment or professional services from a practitioner is not determinative of this issue. A person is presumed to remain a patient until the patient-practitioner relationship is terminated.

2. The consent to, initiation of, or participation in sexual behavior or involvement with a practitioner by a patient does not change the nature of the conduct nor negate the statutory prohibition.

C. Sexual contact between a practitioner and a former patient after termination of the practitioner-patient relationship may still constitute unprofessional conduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence of emotions derived from the professional relationship.

D. Sexual contact between a practitioner and a key third party shall constitute unprofessional conduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge or influence derived from the professional relationship or if the contact has had or is likely to have an adverse effect on patient care. For purposes of this section, key third party of a patient means spouse or partner, parent or child, guardian, or legal representative of the patient.

E. Sexual contact between a supervisor and a trainee shall constitute unprofessional conduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge or influence derived from the professional relationship or if the contact has had or is likely to have an adverse effect on patient care.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

18VAC85-80-180. Refusal to provide information.

A practitioner shall not willfully refuse to provide information or records as requested or required by the board or its representative pursuant to an investigation or to the enforcement of a statute or regulation.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 1, eff. October 19, 2005; Errata, 22:4 VA.R. 659 October 31, 2005.

Forms (18VAC85-80)

Instructions for Completing an Application to Practice as an Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant in Virginia (rev. 12/2017)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of a License to Practice as an Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant (rev. 4/2018)

Application to Reactivate an Occupational Therapist Assistant License from Inactive Status (rev. 3/2024)

Application to Reactivate an Inactive License for an Occupational Therapist Pursuant to Virginia Regulations 18VAC85-80-72 (rev. 1/2018)

Board-Approved Occupational Therapy Practice to Reinstate an Inactive License (rev. 3/2024)

Supervised Occupational Therapy Services (lapse six years or more) (rev. 5/2017)

Continued Competency Activity and Assessment Form (rev. 4/2000)

Application for Restricted Volunteer License (rev. 8/2015)

Application for Registration for Volunteer Practice (rev. 8/2015)

Sponsor Certification for Volunteer Registration (rev. 3/2018)

License Verification Request (rev. 2/2024)

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

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