In a recent news release, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has announced that Colorado is now the 49th state to license occupational therapists and the 48th state to license occupational therapy assistants. The AOTA adds that the legislation, signed by Gov John Hickenlooper, passed both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly with bipartisan support.
Audrey Aguilar, president, Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado, characterizes the enactment as a victory for both occupational therapy practitioners and consumers across the state.
“Licensure provides a specific definition of what services occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants may offer, along with maintenance of professional standards,” Aguilar says.
Chuck Willmarth, director of State Affairs at the AOTA, adds that the bill requires, “licensees to complete a self-assessment of knowledge and skills as part of the licensure renewal process. The licensee will need to implement and document a learning plan based on self-assessment.”
The release notes that practitioners in Colorado will now be licensed under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, which governs most health professions in the state. Hawaii is reportedly the only state that does not license occupational therapists. Hawaii and New York are also the only two states that do not license occupational therapy assistants, according to the AOTA.
[Source: AOTA]
