Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update laws related to occupational therapy licensing in Minnesota. It involves modifying requirements for licensure and application processes, establishing fees, and proposing changes to existing statutes concerning occupational therapy practice and regulations.

Main Provisions

• Licensure and Certification Updates: Defines and updates terms related to occupational therapy, such as continuing competence and credentialing examinations. Clarifies roles and responsibilities of occupational therapists and therapy assistants.
• Application and Renewal Procedures: Establishes detailed requirements for applying for and renewing occupational therapy licenses. Includes provisions for licensure by reciprocity and temporary licensure.
• Supervision and Practice Standards: Details face-to-face supervision requirements and establishes service competency for occupational therapy practitioners. Sets the scope of practice for occupational therapists.
• Fee Structures: Introduces new fees for various licensing activities, including a compact privilege fee and active mailing list access.
• Disciplinary Actions and Compliance: Outlines grounds for discipline and establishes processes for addressing non-compliance. Introduces penalties for not meeting educational and credentialing standards.
• Repealing Outdated Provisions: Repeals specific sections of the statutes related to previous licensing procedures and definitions that are updated in the new legislation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adjusts the application and renewal cycles for licensure, converting them to a biennial basis and simplifying the renewal process.
• Introduces a compact privilege fee for participating in an interstate licensure compact, facilitating practice across state lines.
• Establishes new supervision practices and delegation rules between occupational therapists and assistants, emphasizing service competency.
• Changes the definition and scope of temporary licensure, setting clearer guidelines for provisional practice under supervision.

Relevant Terms

occupational therapy, licensing, certification, credentialing, reciprocity, temporary licensure, supervision, service competency, continuing education, disciplinary action, compact privilege, renewal cycle.