Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 339 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSING BOARD
Oregon Administrative Rules – Chapter 339: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSING BOARD
Chapter 339 of the Oregon Administrative Rules outlines the rules adopted by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board (OTLB). This Board oversees the licensing, regulation, and professional standards for Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in the state of Oregon.
The purpose of these rules is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring that occupational therapy professionals meet and maintain appropriate standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism.
Key Areas Covered in Chapter 339
1. Licensing and Certification Requirements
Rules specify the qualifications for initial licensure, including:
Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program.
Successful completion of the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam.
Submission of a complete application, background check, and payment of fees.
Temporary permits may be issued to applicants awaiting exam results.
Requirements for license renewal, lapsed license reactivation, and retired/inactive status.
2. Continuing Education (CE)
Licensed OTs and OTAs must complete a specific number of continuing education hours within each license renewal cycle.
Acceptable CE activities include workshops, academic courses, online training, and approved professional development.
Documentation of CE must be retained and may be audited by the Board.
3. Scope of Practice
Defines the roles and responsibilities of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Specifies allowed interventions, client populations, assessment methods, and treatment planning.
Details supervision requirements, especially for OTAs, limited permit holders, and students.
4. Professional and Ethical Standards
Establishes clear codes of conduct, including confidentiality, integrity, and client-centered care.
Prohibits fraud, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, and practicing beyond competence.
Requires reporting of suspected violations or unprofessional conduct by peers.
5. Disciplinary Procedures
Details the complaint investigation process, possible disciplinary actions, and the appeal process.
Disciplinary measures may include license suspension, revocation, fines, mandatory retraining, or probation.
Ensures due process for licensees while maintaining public protection.
6. Fees and Administrative Rules
Specifies the current fee structure for applications, renewals, late fees, and license verifications.
Rules on public records, rulemaking processes, and how Board meetings are conducted.
Goals of the Occupational Therapy Licensing Board (OTLB) under Chapter 339
Ensure that only qualified individuals practice occupational therapy.
Promote safe, ethical, and evidence-based occupational therapy services.
Maintain public trust through accountability and transparency in licensing and discipline.
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