text:
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) “Appropriate supervision of an aide” means that the responsible occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall provide direct in-sight supervision when the aide is providing delegated client-related tasks and shall be readily available at all times to provide advice or instruction to the aide. The occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant is responsible for documenting the client’s record concerning the delegated client-related tasks performed by the aide.

(b) “Aide” means an individual who provides supportive services to an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant and who is trained by an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant to perform, under appropriate supervision, delegated, selected client and nonclient-related tasks for which the aide has demonstrated competency. An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed pursuant to this chapter may utilize the services of one aide engaged in client-related tasks to assist the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in the practice of occupational therapy. The occupational therapist shall be responsible for the overall use and actions of the aide.

(c) “Association” means the Occupational Therapy Association of California or a similarly constituted organization representing occupational therapists in this state.

(d) “Board” means the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

(e) “Continuing competence” means a dynamic and multidimensional process in which the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant develops and maintains the knowledge, performance skills, interpersonal abilities, critical reasoning, and ethical reasoning skills necessary to perform current and future roles and responsibilities within the profession.

(f) “Examination” means an entry level examination for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy or by another nationally recognized credentialing body.

(g) “Good standing” means that the person has a current, valid license to practice occupational therapy or assist in the practice of occupational therapy and has not been disciplined by the recognized professional licensing or standard-setting body within five years prior to application or renewal of the person’s license.

(h) “Occupational therapist” means an individual who meets the minimum education requirements specified in Section 2570.6 and is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and whose license is in good standing as determined by the board to practice occupational therapy under this chapter. The occupational therapist is responsible for and directs the evaluation process and develops the intervention plan.

(i) “Occupational therapy assistant” means an individual who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, who is in good standing as determined by the board, and based thereon, who is qualified to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under this chapter, and who works under the appropriate supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

(j) “Occupational therapy services” means the services of an occupational therapist or the services of an occupational therapy assistant under the appropriate supervision of an occupational therapist.

(k) “Person” means an individual, partnership, unincorporated organization, or corporation.

(l) “Occupational therapy” means the therapeutic use of purposeful and meaningful goal-directed activities (occupations) with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations, to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for habilitation, rehabilitation, and the promotion of health and wellness for clients with disability- and nondisability-related needs or to those who have, or are at risk of developing, health conditions that limit activity or cause participation restrictions. Occupational therapy services encompass occupational therapy assessment, treatment, education, and consultation. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory-perception and other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in occupations that affect physical and mental health, well-being, and quality of life. Occupational therapy assessment identifies performance abilities and limitations that are necessary for self-maintenance, learning, work, and other similar meaningful activities. Occupational therapy treatment is focused on developing, improving, or restoring functional daily living skills, compensating for and preventing dysfunction, or minimizing disability. Through engagement in everyday activities, occupational therapy promotes mental health by supporting occupational performance in people with, or at risk of experiencing, a range of physical and mental health disorders. Occupational therapy techniques that are used for treatment involve teaching activities of daily living (excluding speech-language skills); designing or fabricating orthotic devices, and applying or training in the use of assistive technology or orthotic and prosthetic devices (excluding gait training). Occupational therapy consultation provides expert advice to enhance function and quality of life. Consultation or treatment may involve modification of tasks or environments to allow an individual to achieve maximum independence. Services are provided individually, in groups, or populations.

(m) “Hand therapy” is the art and science of rehabilitation of the hand, wrist, and forearm requiring comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity and specialized skills in assessment and treatment to prevent dysfunction, restore function, or reverse the advancement of pathology. This definition is not intended to prevent an occupational therapist practicing hand therapy from providing other occupational therapy services authorized under this act in conjunction with hand therapy.

(n) “Physical agent modalities” means techniques that produce a response in soft tissue through the use of light, water, temperature, sound, or electricity. These techniques are used as adjunctive methods in conjunction with, or in immediate preparation for, occupational therapy services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 1. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


kind: section

code: BPC

text:
(a) A person shall not practice occupational therapy or hold themselves out as an occupational therapist or as being able to practice occupational therapy, or to render occupational therapy services in this state unless the person is licensed as an occupational therapist under the provisions of this chapter. A person shall not hold themselves out as an occupational therapy assistant or work as an occupational therapy assistant under the supervision of an occupational therapist unless the person is licensed as an occupational therapy assistant under this chapter.

(b) Only an individual may be licensed under this chapter.

(c) This chapter does not authorize an occupational therapist to practice physical therapy, as defined in Section 2620; speech-language pathology or audiology, as defined in Section 2530.2; nursing, as defined in Section 2725; psychology, as defined in Section 2903; marriage and family therapy, as defined in Section 4980.02; clinical social work, as defined in Section 4996.9; professional clinical counseling, as defined in Section 4999.20; educational psychology, as defined in Section 4989.14; or spinal manipulation or other forms of healing, except as authorized by this section.

(d) An occupational therapist may provide advanced practices if the occupational therapist has the knowledge, skill, and ability to do so and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board that the occupational therapist has met educational training and competency requirements. These advanced practices include the following:

(1) Hand therapy.

(2) The use of physical agent modalities.

(3) Swallowing assessment, evaluation, or intervention.

(e) An occupational therapist providing hand therapy services shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the occupational therapist has completed education and training in all of the following areas:

(1) Anatomy of the upper extremity and how it is altered by pathology.

(2) Histology as it relates to tissue healing and the effects of immobilization and mobilization on connective tissue.

(3) Muscle, sensory, vascular, and connective tissue physiology.

(4) Kinesiology of the upper extremity, such as biomechanical principles of pulleys, intrinsic and extrinsic muscle function, internal forces of muscles, and the effects of external forces.

(5) The effects of temperature and electrical currents on nerve and connective tissue.

(6) Surgical procedures of the upper extremity and their postoperative course.

(f) An occupational therapist using physical agent modalities shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the occupational therapist has completed education and training in all of the following areas:

(1) Anatomy and physiology of muscle, sensory, vascular, and connective tissue in response to the application of physical agent modalities.

(2) Principles of chemistry and physics related to the selected modality.

(3) Physiological, neurophysiological, and electrophysiological changes that occur as a result of the application of a modality.

(4) Guidelines for the preparation of the client, including education about the process and possible outcomes of treatment.

(5) Safety rules and precautions related to the selected modality.

(6) Methods for documenting immediate and long-term effects of treatment.

(7) Characteristics of the equipment, including safe operation, adjustment, indications of malfunction, and care.

(g) An occupational therapist in the process of achieving the education, training, and competency requirements established by the board for providing hand therapy or using physical agent modalities may practice these techniques under the supervision of an occupational therapist who has already met the requirements established by the board, a physical therapist, or a physician and surgeon.

(h) The board shall develop and adopt regulations regarding the educational training and competency requirements for advanced practices in collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the Physical Therapy Board of California.

(i) This chapter does not authorize an occupational therapist to seek reimbursement for services other than for the practice of occupational therapy as defined in this chapter.

(j) “Supervision of an occupational therapy assistant” means that the responsible occupational therapist shall at all times be responsible for all occupational therapy services provided to the client. The occupational therapist who is responsible for appropriate supervision shall formulate and document in each client’s record, with the occupational therapist’s signature, the goals and plan for that client, and shall make sure that the occupational therapy assistant assigned to that client functions under appropriate supervision. As part of the responsible occupational therapist’s appropriate supervision, the occupational therapist shall conduct at least weekly review and inspection of all aspects of occupational therapy services by the occupational therapy assistant.

(1) The supervising occupational therapist has the continuing responsibility to follow the progress of each client, provide direct care to the client, and to ensure that the occupational therapy assistant does not function autonomously.

(2) An occupational therapist shall not supervise more occupational therapy assistants, at any one time, than can be appropriately supervised in the opinion of the board. Three occupational therapy assistants shall be the maximum number of occupational therapy assistants supervised by an occupational therapist at any one time, but the board may permit the supervision of a greater number by an occupational therapist if, in the opinion of the board, there would be adequate supervision and the public’s health and safety would be served. In no case shall the total number of occupational therapy assistants exceed three times the number of occupational therapists regularly employed by a facility at any one time.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 4. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

chapter: 5.6. Occupational Therapy

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.6. Occupational Therapy


text:
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as preventing or restricting the practice, services, or activities of any of the following persons:

(a) Any person licensed or otherwise recognized in this state by any other law or regulation when that person is engaged in the profession or occupation for which he or she is licensed or otherwise recognized.

(b) Any person pursuing a supervised course of study leading to a degree or certificate in occupational therapy at an accredited educational program, if the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates his or her status as a student or trainee.

(c) Any person fulfilling the supervised fieldwork experience requirements of subdivision (c) of Section 2570.6, if the experience constitutes a part of the experience necessary to meet the requirement of that provision.

(d) Any person performing occupational therapy services in the state if all of the following apply:

(1) An application for licensure as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant has been filed with the board pursuant to Section 2570.6 and an application for a license in this state has not been previously denied.

(2) The person possesses a current, active, and nonrestricted license to practice occupational therapy under the laws of another state that the board determines has licensure requirements at least as stringent as the requirements of this chapter.

(3) Occupational therapy services are performed in association with an occupational therapist licensed under this chapter, and for no more than 60 days from the date on which the application for licensure was filed with the board.

(e) Any person employed as an aide subject to the supervision requirements of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 14. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.)


text:
(a) A limited permit may be granted to any person who has completed the education and experience requirements of this chapter.

(b) A person who meets the qualifications to be admitted to the examination for licensure under this chapter and is waiting to take the examination or awaiting the announcement of the results of the examination, according to the application requirements for a limited permit, may practice as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant under the direction and appropriate supervision of an occupational therapist duly licensed under this chapter. If that person fails to pass the examination during the initial eligibility period, all privileges under this section shall automatically cease upon due notice to the applicant of that failure and may not be renewed.

(c) A limited permit shall be subject to other requirements set forth in rules adopted by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 308, Sec. 28.5. (SB 819) Effective January 1, 2010.)


text:
An applicant applying for a license as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant shall file with the board a written application provided by the board, showing to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets all of the following requirements:

(a) That the applicant is in good standing and has not committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of a license under Section 480.

(b) (1) That the applicant has successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants that is approved by the board and accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), or accredited or approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) predecessor organization, or approved by AOTA’s Career Mobility Program.

(2) The curriculum of an educational program for occupational therapists shall contain the content required by the ACOTE accreditation standards, or as approved by AOTA’s predecessor organization, or as approved by AOTA’s Career Mobility Program.

(c) (1) For an applicant who is a graduate of an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant educational program who is unable to provide evidence of having met the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), he or she may demonstrate passage of the examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, or the American Occupational Therapy Association, as evidence of having successfully satisfied the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).

(2) For an applicant who completed AOTA’s Career Mobility Program, he or she shall demonstrate participation in the program and passage of the examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, or the American Occupational Therapy Association, as evidence of having successfully satisfied the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b).

(d) That the applicant has successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience approved by the board and arranged by a recognized educational institution where he or she met the academic requirements of subdivision (b) or (c) or arranged by a nationally recognized professional association. The fieldwork requirements for applicants applying for licensure as an occupational therapist or certification as an occupational therapy assistant shall be consistent with the requirements of the ACOTE accreditation standards, or AOTA’s predecessor organization, or AOTA’s Career Mobility Program, that were in effect when the applicant completed his or her educational program.

(e) That the applicant has passed an examination as provided in Section 2570.7.

(f) That the applicant, at the time of application, is a person over 18 years of age, is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance, and has not committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 3. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) An applicant who has satisfied the requirements of Section 2570.6 may apply for examination for licensure in a manner prescribed by the board. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, an applicant who fails an examination may apply for reexamination.

(b) Each applicant for licensure shall successfully complete the entry level examination for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants, such as the examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, or the American Occupational Therapy Association. The examination shall be appropriately validated. Each applicant shall be examined by written examination to test his or her knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relating to occupational therapy, occupational therapy techniques and methods, and any other subjects that the board may require to determine the applicant’s fitness to practice under this chapter.

(c) Applicants for licensure shall be examined at a time and place and under that supervision as the board may require.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 4. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: For the purposes of verifying a license issued under this chapter, a person may rely on the licensure information posted on the board’s Internet Web site, which includes the issuance and expiration dates of a license issued by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 588, Sec. 35. Effective January 1, 2008.)


text: The board shall issue a license to any applicant who meets the requirements of this chapter, including the payment of the prescribed licensure or renewal fee, and who meets any other requirement in accordance with applicable state law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 18. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.)


text:
(a) Any license issued under this chapter shall be subject to renewal as prescribed by the board and shall expire unless renewed in that manner. The board may provide for the late renewal of a license as provided for in Section 163.5.

(b) In addition to any other qualifications and requirements for licensure renewal, the board shall by rule establish and require the satisfactory completion of continuing competence requirements as a condition of renewal of a license. Only a portion of continuing competence requirements, as determined by the board to protect public health, safety, and welfare, may be fulfilled through competency assessment activities performed within the context of a broader professional development plan.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 5. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: Upon a written request, the board may grant inactive status to an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who is in good standing, who meets the requirements of Section 462.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 697, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
(a) Consistent with this section, subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 2570.2, and accepted professional standards, the board shall adopt rules necessary to assure appropriate supervision of occupational therapy assistants and aides.

(b) An occupational therapy assistant may practice only under the supervision of an occupational therapist who is authorized to practice occupational therapy in this state.

(c) An aide providing delegated, client-related supportive services shall require continuous and direct supervision by an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 16. (SB 1575) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text:
An initial applicant who has not been actively engaged in the practice of occupational therapy within the past five years shall provide to the board, in addition to the requirements for licensure under Section 2570.6, any of the following:

(a) Evidence of continued competency as referred to in subdivision (b) of Section 2570.10 for the previous two-year period.

(b) Evidence of having completed the entry-level examination as described in subdivision (b) of Section 2570.7 within the previous two-year period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 6. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants trained outside of the United States and its possessions shall be required to satisfy the examination requirements of Section 2570.7. The board shall require that these applicants have completed educational and supervised fieldwork requirements substantially equal to those contained in Section 2570.6, before taking the examination.


text:
Initial license and renewal fees shall be established by the board in an amount that does not exceed a ceiling of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per year. The board shall establish the following additional fees:

(a) An application fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50).

(b) A late renewal fee as provided for in Section 2570.10.

(c) A limited permit fee.

(d) A fee to collect fingerprints for criminal history record checks. This fee shall not exceed the amount charged by the agency providing the criminal history record checks.

(e) A fee to query the National Practitioner Data Bank for applicants for licensure and renewal of licensure. The fee shall not exceed the amount charged per query.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 6. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018.)


text:
(a) The board shall issue, upon application and payment of a twenty-five dollar ($25) fee, a retired license to an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant who holds a license that is current and active, or capable of being renewed pursuant to Section 2570.10, and whose license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise restricted by the board or subject to discipline under this chapter.

(b) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active license is required. An occupational therapist holding a retired license shall be permitted to use the title “occupational therapist, retired” or “retired occupational therapist.” An occupational therapy assistant holding a retired license shall be permitted to use the title “occupational therapy assistant, retired” or “retired occupational therapy assistant.” The designation of retired shall not be abbreviated in any way.

(c) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license.

(d) In order for the holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section to restore his or her license, he or she shall comply with Section 2570.14.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 22. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.)


text:
(a) A person shall not represent to the public by title, education, or background, or by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice occupational therapy in this state, unless authorized to practice occupational therapy under this chapter.

(b) Unless licensed to practice as an occupational therapist under this chapter, a person may not use the professional abbreviations “O.T.,” “O.T./L.,” or “O.T.D.,” “Occupational Therapist,” “Occupational Therapist Licensed,” “Occupational Therapist Doctorate,” or any other words, letters, or symbols with the intent to represent that the person practices or is authorized to practice occupational therapy.

(c) A licensee who has earned a doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OTD) or, after adoption of the regulations described in subdivision (e), a doctoral degree in a related area of practice or study may do the following:

(1) In a written communication, use the initials OTD, DrPH, PhD, or EdD, as applicable, following the licensee’s name.

(2) In a written communication, use the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” preceding the licensee’s name, if the licensee’s name is immediately followed by an unabbreviated specification of the applicable doctoral degree held by the licensee.

(3) In a spoken communication while engaged in the practice of occupational therapy, use the title “Doctor” preceding the licensee’s name, if the licensee specifies that he or she is an occupational therapy practitioner.

(d) A doctoral degree described in subdivision (c) shall be granted by an institution and program accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Accreditation Council on Occupational Therapy Education, or by an accrediting agency recognized by the National Commission on Accrediting or the United States Department of Education that the board determines is equivalent to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

(e) The board shall define, by regulation, the doctoral degrees that are in a related area of practice or study for purposes of subdivision (c).

(f) Unless licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy as an occupational therapy assistant under this chapter, a person may not use the professional abbreviations “O.T.A.,” “O.T.A/L.,” or “Occupational Therapy Assistant,” “Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant,” or any other words, letters, or symbols, with the intent to represent that the person assists in, or is authorized to assist in, the practice of occupational therapy as an occupational therapy assistant.

(g) The unauthorized practice or representation as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant constitutes an unfair business practice under Section 17200 and false and misleading advertising under Section 17500.

(h) An occupational therapist that is serving as an educator in an education program for occupational therapists in California must be licensed. The licensure requirement also applies to an occupational therapist that is serving as an educator in an education program for occupational therapy assistants in California.

(i) An occupational therapy assistant that is serving as an educator in an education program for occupational therapy assistants in California must be licensed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 7. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) An occupational therapist shall document the occupational therapist’s evaluation, goals, treatment plan, and summary of treatment in the client record.

(b) An occupational therapy assistant shall document the services provided in the client record.

(c) Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants shall document and sign the client record legibly.

(d) Client records shall be maintained for a period of no less than seven years following the discharge of the client, except that the records of unemancipated minors shall be maintained at least one year after the minor has reached the age of 18 years, and not in any case less than seven years.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2570.185 by Stats. 2022, Ch. 290, Sec. 2. (AB 2671) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) There is hereby created a California Board of Occupational Therapy, hereafter referred to as the board. The board shall enforce and administer this chapter.

(b) The members of the board shall consist of the following:

(1) Three occupational therapists who shall have practiced occupational therapy for five years.

(2) One occupational therapy assistant who shall have assisted in the practice of occupational therapy for five years.

(3) Three public members who shall not be licentiates of the board, of any other board under this division, or of any board referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.

(c) The Governor shall appoint the three occupational therapists and one occupational therapy assistant to be members of the board. The Governor, the Senate Committee on Rules, and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member. Not more than one member of the board shall be appointed from the full-time faculty of any university, college, or other educational institution.

(d) All members shall be residents of California at the time of their appointment. The occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant members shall have been engaged in rendering occupational therapy services to the public, teaching, or research in occupational therapy for at least five years preceding their appointments.

(e) The public members may not be or have ever been occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants or in training to become occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants. The public members may not be related to, or have a household member who is, an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, and may not have had, within two years of the appointment, a substantial financial interest in a person regulated by the board.

(f) The Governor shall appoint two board members for a term of one year, two board members for a term of two years, and one board member for a term of three years. Appointments made thereafter shall be for four-year terms, but no person shall be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms. Terms shall begin on the first day of the calendar year and end on the last day of the calendar year or until successors are appointed, except for the first appointed members who shall serve through the last calendar day of the year in which they are appointed, before commencing the terms prescribed by this section. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. The board shall annually elect one of its members as president.

(g) The board shall meet and hold at least one regular meeting annually in the Cities of Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The board may convene from time to time until its business is concluded. Special meetings of the board may be held at any time and place designated by the board.

(h) Notice of each meeting of the board shall be given in accordance with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(i) Members of the board shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be entitled to reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the execution of their powers and duties in accordance with Section 103.

(j) The appointing power shall have the power to remove any member of the board from office for neglect of any duty imposed by state law, for incompetency, or for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.

(k) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 290, Sec. 3. (AB 2671) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)


text: Notwithstanding any other law, the repeal of Section 2570.19 renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 290, Sec. 4. (AB 2671) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) The board shall administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, evaluate the qualifications for licensure, and may approve the examinations for licensure under this chapter.

(b) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act necessary to effectuate the purpose of this chapter for persons holding a license to practice occupational therapy or to assist in the practice of occupational therapy in this state.

(c) Proceedings under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 9. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: Subject to Sections 107 and 154, the board may employ an executive officer and other officers and employees


text: All fees collected by the board shall be paid into the State Treasury and shall be credited to the Occupational Therapy Fund which is hereby created. The money in the fund shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for expenditure by the board to defray its expenses and to otherwise administer this chapter.


text: Any person who violates Section 2570.3 is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment of not more than one year in a county jail, or by both that fine and imprisonment.


text: If any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.


text: Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the California Board of Occupational Therapy in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 107, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text:
(a) The board may, after a hearing, deny, suspend, revoke, or place on probation a license, inactive license, or limited permit.

(b) As used in this chapter, “license” includes a license, limited permit, or any other authorization to engage in practice regulated by this chapter.

(c) The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 25. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.)


text:
(a) The board may discipline a licensee by any or a combination of the following methods:

(1) Placing the license on probation with terms and conditions.

(2) Suspending the license and the right to practice occupational therapy for a period not to exceed one year.

(3) Revoking the license.

(4) Suspending or staying the disciplinary order, or portions of it, with or without conditions.

(5) Taking other action as the board, in its discretion, deems proper.

(b) The board may issue an initial license on probation, with specific terms and conditions, to any applicant who has violated any provision of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant to it, but who has met all other requirements for licensure.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1079, Sec. 6. Effective September 29, 2002.)


text:
The board may deny or discipline a licensee for any of the following:

(a) Unprofessional conduct, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Incompetence or gross negligence in carrying out usual occupational therapy functions.

(2) Repeated similar negligent acts in carrying out usual occupational therapy functions.

(3) A conviction for practicing medicine without a license in violation of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000), in which event a certified copy of the record of conviction shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(4) The use of advertising relating to occupational therapy that violates Section 17500.

(5) Denial of licensure, revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other disciplinary action against a licensee by another state or territory of the United States, by any other government agency, or by another California health care professional licensing board. A certified copy of the decision, order, or judgment shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(b) Procuring a license by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake.

(c) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provision or term of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(d) Making or giving any false statement or information in connection with the application for issuance or renewal of a license.

(e) Conviction of a crime or of any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee, in which event the record of the conviction shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(f) Impersonating an applicant or acting as proxy for an applicant in any examination required under this chapter for the issuance of a license.

(g) Impersonating a licensed practitioner, or permitting or allowing another unlicensed person to use a license.

(h) Committing any fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee.

(i) Committing any act punishable as a sexually related crime, if that act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee, in which event a certified copy of the record of conviction shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(j) Using excessive force upon or mistreating or abusing any client. For the purposes of this subdivision, “excessive force” means force clearly in excess of that which would normally be applied in similar clinical circumstances.

(k) Falsifying or making grossly incorrect, grossly inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in a client or hospital record or any other record.

(l) Changing the prescription of a physician and surgeon or falsifying verbal or written orders for treatment or a diagnostic regime received, whether or not that action resulted in actual client harm.

(m) Failing to maintain confidentiality of client medical information, except as disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law.

(n) Delegating to an unlicensed employee or person a service that requires the knowledge, skills, abilities, or judgment of a licensee.

(o) Committing any act that would be grounds for denial of a license under Section 480.

(p) Except for good cause, the knowing failure to protect clients by failing to follow infection control guidelines of the board, thereby risking transmission of infectious diseases from licensee to client, from client to client, or from client to licensee.

(1) In administering this subdivision, the board shall consider referencing the standards, regulations, and guidelines of the State Department of Public Health developed pursuant to Section 1250.11 of the Health and Safety Code and the standards, guidelines, and regulations pursuant to the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (Part 1 (commencing with Section 63001) of Division 5 of the Labor Code) for preventing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and other blood-borne pathogens in health care settings. As necessary to encourage appropriate consistency in the implementation of this subdivision, the board shall consult with the Medical Board of California, the Board of Podiatric Medicine, the Dental Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

(2) The board shall seek to ensure that licensees are informed of their responsibility to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases from health care provider to client, from client to client, and from client to health care provider, and are informed of the most recent scientifically recognized safeguards for minimizing the risks of transmission.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 10. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
In addition to other acts constituting unprofessional conduct within the meaning of this chapter, it is unprofessional conduct for a person licensed under this chapter to do any of the following:

(a) Obtain or possess in violation of law, or prescribe, or, except as directed by a licensed physician and surgeon, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, to administer to himself or herself, or furnish or administer to another, any controlled substance as defined in Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code or any dangerous drug or dangerous device as defined in Section 4022.

(b) Use to an extent or in a manner dangerous or injurious to himself or herself, to any other person, or to the public, or that impairs his or her ability to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by his or her license, of any of the following:

(1) A controlled substance as defined in Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) A dangerous drug or dangerous device as defined in Section 4022.

(3) Alcoholic beverages.

(c) Be convicted of a criminal offense involving the prescription, consumption, or self-administration of any of the substances described in subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section, or the possession of, or falsification of a record pertaining to, the substances described in subdivision (a) of this section, in which event the record of the conviction is conclusive evidence thereof.

(d) Be committed or confined by a court of competent jurisdiction for intemperate use of any of the substances described in subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section, in which event the court order of commitment or confinement is prima facie evidence of the commitment or confinement.

(e) Falsify, or make grossly incorrect, grossly inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital or client record, or any other record, pertaining to the substances described in subdivision (a) of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 11. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: The board shall retain jurisdiction to proceed with any investigation, action or disciplinary proceeding against a license, or to render a decision suspending or revoking a license, regardless of the expiration, lapse, or suspension of the license by operation of law, by order or decision of the board or a court of law, or by the voluntary surrender of a license by the licensee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1079, Sec. 9. Effective September 29, 2002.)


text: If a license is suspended, the holder may not practice occupational therapy during the term of suspension. Upon the expiration of the term of suspension, the license shall be reinstated and the holder entitled to resume practice under any remaining terms of the discipline, unless it is established to the satisfaction of the board that the holder of the license practiced in this state during the term of suspension. In this event, the board may, after a hearing on this issue alone, revoke the license.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1079, Sec. 10. Effective September 29, 2002.)


text:
(a) A holder of a license that has been revoked, suspended, or placed on probation, may petition the board for reinstatement or modification of a penalty, including reduction or termination of probation, after a period not less than the applicable following minimum period has elapsed from either the effective date of the decision ordering that disciplinary action, or, if the order of the board or any portion of it was stayed, from the date the disciplinary action was actually implemented in its entirety. The minimum periods that shall elapse prior to a petition are as follows:

(1) For a license that was revoked for any reason other than mental or physical illness, at least three years.

(2) For early termination of probation scheduled for three or more years, at least two years.

(3) For modification of a penalty, reinstatement of a license revoked for mental or physical illness, or termination of probation scheduled for less than three years, at least one year.

(4) The board may, in its discretion, specify in its disciplinary order a lesser period of time, provided that the period shall not be less than one year.

(b) The petition submitted shall contain any information required by the board, which may include a current set of fingerprints accompanied by the fingerprinting fee.

(c) The board shall give notice to the Attorney General of the filing of the petition. The petitioner and the Attorney General shall be given timely notice by letter of the time and place of the hearing on the petition, and an opportunity to present both oral and documentary evidence and argument to the board. The petitioner shall at all times have the burden of proof to establish by clear and convincing evidence that he or she is entitled to the relief sought in the petition.

(d) The board itself shall hear the petition and the administrative law judge shall prepare a written decision setting forth the reasons supporting the decision.

(e) The board may grant or deny the petition, or may impose any terms and conditions that it reasonably deems appropriate as a condition of reinstatement or reduction of penalty.

(f) The board may refuse to consider a petition while the petitioner is under sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the petitioner is on court-imposed probation or parole or subject to an order of registration pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code.

(g) No petition shall be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation pending against the petitioner.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1079, Sec. 11. Effective September 29, 2002.)


text: If a licensee has knowledge that an applicant or licensee may be in violation of, or has violated, any of the statutes or regulations administered by the board, the licensee shall report this information to the board in writing and shall cooperate with the board in providing information or assistance as may be required.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 308, Sec. 32. (SB 819) Effective January 1, 2010.)


citation: BPC § 2571

text:
(a) An occupational therapist licensed pursuant to this chapter and approved by the board in the use of physical agent modalities may apply topical medications prescribed by the client’s physician and surgeon, certified nurse-midwife pursuant to Section 2746.51, nurse practitioner pursuant to Section 2836.1, or nurse practitioner practicing pursuant to Section 2837.103 or 2837.104, or physician assistant pursuant to Section 3502.1, if the licensee complies with regulations adopted by the board pursuant to this section.

(b) The board shall adopt regulations implementing this section, after meeting and conferring with the Medical Board of California, the California State Board of Pharmacy, and the Physical Therapy Board of California, specifying those topical medications applicable to the practice of occupational therapy and protocols for their use.

(c) This section does not authorize an occupational therapist to prescribe medications.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 413, Sec. 3. (AB 2684) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: BPC § 2572

text: An occupational therapy corporation is a corporation that is authorized to render professional services, as defined in Sections 13401 and 13401.5 of the Corporations Code, if that corporation, its shareholders, officers, directors, and employees rendering professional services are in compliance with the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), this chapter, and other statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to an occupational therapy corporation and the conduct of its affairs. Subject to all applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, an occupational therapy corporation is entitled to practice occupational therapy. With respect to an occupational therapy corporation, the governmental agency referred to in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act is the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 290, Sec. 5. (AB 2671) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: BPC § 2585

text:
(a) Any person representing himself or herself as a registered dietitian shall meet one of the following qualifications:

(1) Been granted, prior to January 1, 1981, the right to use the term “registered dietitian” by a public or private agency or institution recognized by the State Department of Public Health as qualified to grant the title, provided that person continues to meet all requirements and qualifications periodically prescribed by the agency or institution for the maintenance of that title.

(2) Possess all of the following qualifications:

(A) Be 18 years of age or older.

(B) Satisfactory completion of appropriate academic requirements for the field of dietetics and related disciplines and receipt of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation agency.

(C) Satisfactory completion of a program of supervised practice for a minimum of 900 hours that is designed to prepare entry level practitioners through instruction and assignments in a clinical setting. Supervisors of the program shall meet minimum qualifications established by public or private agencies or institutions recognized by the State Department of Public Health to establish those qualifications.

(D) Satisfactory completion of an examination administered by a public or private agency or institution recognized by the State Department of Public Health as qualified to administer the examinations.

(E) Satisfactory completion of continuing education requirements established by a public or private agency or institution recognized by the State Department of Public Health to establish the requirements.

(b) Any person representing himself or herself as a dietetic technician, registered shall possess all of the following qualifications:

(1) Be 18 years of age or older.

(2) Satisfactory completion of either of the following:

(A) Appropriate academic requirements for dietetic technicians, registered, receipt of an associate’s degree or higher from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation agency, and at least 450 hours of supervised practice experience. Supervisors of practice experiences shall meet the minimum qualifications established by public or private agencies or institutions recognized by the State Department of Public Health to establish the qualifications.

(B) Appropriate academic requirements for the field of dietetics and related disciplines and receipt of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or other regional accreditation agency.

(3) Satisfactory completion of an examination administered by a public or private agency or institution recognized by the State Department of Public Health to administer the examination.

(4) Satisfactory completion of continuing education requirements established by a public or private agency or institution recognized by the State Department of Public Health to establish the requirements.

(c) It is a misdemeanor for any person not meeting the criteria of subdivision (a) or (b) to use, in connection with his or her name or place of business, the words “dietetic technician, registered,” “dietitian,” “dietician,” “registered dietitian,” “registered dietician,” “registered dietitian nutritionist,” or the letters “RD,” “RDN,” “DTR,” or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a dietitian, dietetic technician, registered, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist or to represent, in any way, orally, in writing, in print or by sign, directly or by implication, that he or she is a dietitian, a dietetic technician, registered, a registered dietitian, or a registered dietitian nutritionist.

(d) Any person employed by a licensed health care facility as a registered dietitian on the effective date of this chapter may continue to represent himself or herself as a registered dietitian while employed by a licensed health care facility, if he or she has satisfied the requirements of either paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), except that he or she shall not be required to satisfy the examination requirement of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).

(e) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation that limits reimbursement to state licensed health care providers and upon referral by a physician and surgeon, the following persons may be reimbursed for the nutritional advice or advice concerning proper nutrition as set forth in Section 2068, or for the nutritional assessments, counseling, and treatments as set forth in Section 2586:

(1) Registered dietitians.

(2) Other nutritional professionals with a master’s or higher degree in a field covering clinical nutrition sciences, from a college or university accredited by a regional accreditation agency, who are deemed qualified to provide these services by the referring physician and surgeon.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to mandate direct reimbursement of registered dietitians, or other nutrition professionals described in subdivision (e), as a separate provider type under the Medi-Cal program, nor to mandate reimbursement where expressly prohibited by federal law or regulation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 622, Sec. 1. (SB 993) Effective January 1, 2015.)

chapter: 5.65. Dietitians

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.65. Dietitians


citation: BPC § 2586

text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, a registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585 may, upon referral by a health care provider authorized to prescribe dietary treatments, provide nutritional and dietary counseling, conduct nutritional and dietary assessments, and develop and recommend nutritional and dietary treatments, including therapeutic diets, for individuals or groups of patients in licensed institutional facilities or in private office settings. The referral for medical nutrition therapy shall be accompanied by a written prescription signed by the health care provider detailing the patient’s diagnosis and including either a statement of the desired objective of dietary treatment or a diet order. The registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, may perform nutritional assessments and initiate nutritional interventions within the parameters of the prescribed diet order pursuant to a licensed health care facility’s approved nutrition screening policy and procedure. The registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, shall collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, which shall include the treating physician and the registered nurse, in developing the patient’s nutrition care plan. Unless otherwise stated in the diet order by a patient’s provider, the registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, may individualize the patient’s nutritional or dietary treatment when necessary, by modifying the distribution, type, or quantity of food and nutrients within the parameters of the diet order. Any modification, and the rationale for the modification, shall be documented in the patient’s record for review by the practitioner, or other licensed health care professional, who is legally authorized to prescribe and is responsible for the care of the patient. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to authorize a registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, to order or administer a central vein or peripheral vein nutrition.

(2) The services described in this subdivision may be termed “medical nutrition therapy.”

(b) A registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, may accept or transmit verbal orders or electronically transmitted orders for medical nutrition therapy from the referring physician or the physician responsible for the care of the patient in a licensed health care facility.

(c) A registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585, may order medical laboratory tests related to medical nutrition therapy services when approved by the referring physician or the physician responsible for the care of the patient and when, in the absence of the referring physician or physician responsible for the care of the patient at a patient visit, in a clinic where there is a registered nurse on duty, a registered nurse is notified that a medical laboratory test is being ordered and is afforded an opportunity to assess the patient.

(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, a dietetic technician, registered meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 2585 may, under the direct supervision of a registered dietitian, assist in the implementation or monitoring of services specified in subdivision (a), but shall not develop nutritional or dietary therapy or treatments or accept or transmit verbal orders.

(2) (A) For purposes of this subdivision, “direct supervision” means the supervising registered dietitian shall be physically available to the dietetic technician, registered for consultation whenever consultation is required. However, in the case of a small or rural hospital, as defined in Section 124840 of the Health and Safety Code, the registered dietitian may be available for consultation by telephone or other electronic means, provided that the registered dietitian is physically on the facility site a sufficient amount of time to provide adequate supervision over and review of the work of the dietetic technician, registered.

(B) For purposes of this subdivision, “physically available” means physical onsite presence during regular business hours, and includes telephonic or electronic availability at all times and the ability to respond to the facility within a reasonable period of time when required. The registered dietitian shall review any activities performed by the dietetic technician, registered during any period when the registered dietitian was not physically onsite.

(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a registered dietitian shall not supervise more than two dietetic technicians, registered at one time.

(e) It is a misdemeanor for a person specified in subdivision (e) of Section 2585 to practice in a manner inconsistent with the requirements set forth in this section.

(f) Nothing in this section shall preclude a person specified in subdivision (b) or (e) of Section 2585 from providing information as permitted by Section 2068.

(g) For purposes of this section, “health care provider” means any person licensed or certified pursuant to this division, or licensed pursuant to the Osteopathic Initiative Act or the Chiropractic Initiative Act.

(h) The requirement of a written prescription shall be deemed to be satisfied by an entry in the patient records of a patient who is undergoing treatment at a licensed health care facility if the contents of the patient records reflect the information required by this section.

(i) Nothing in this section or Section 2585 shall be interpreted to establish educational criteria or practice restrictions or limitations for other health care providers licensed under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) or the Osteopathic Initiative Act or the Chiropractic Initiative Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 622, Sec. 2. (SB 993) Effective January 1, 2015.)


text:
A person may engage in the activities set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 2586 if the person meets both of the following requirements:

(a) The person is engaged in the activities as part of a supervised practice program for a registered dietitian pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 2585.

(b) The person is enrolled in or has completed a course of study to fulfill the educational requirements for a registered dietitian in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 2585.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 69, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)


text:
A person may engage in the activities set forth in subdivision (d) of Section 2586 if the person meets both of the following requirements:

(a) The person is engaged in the activities as part of a supervised practice program for a dietetic technician, registered pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2585.

(b) The person has completed a course of study to fulfill the educational requirements for a dietetic technician, registered in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2585.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 622, Sec. 3. (SB 993) Effective January 1, 2015.)


text:
A person may engage in the activities set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 2586 for six months from the date that he or she completed a supervised practice program, or until the person receives notice that he or she failed the examination specified in subdivision (d), whichever occurs first, if all of the following conditions apply:

(a) The person performs under the direct and immediate supervision of a registered dietitian.

(b) The person has completed the supervised practice program requirements under subdivision (a) of Section 2585.

(c) The person has written verification, including the program director’s original signature, that the person has completed the required supervised practice program.

(d) The person has applied to take the registered dietitian examination specified in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 2585 and is waiting for an examination date.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 69, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)


text:
A person may engage in the activities set forth in subdivision (d) of Section 2586 for six months from the date he or she completed the academic requirements for dietetic technicians specified in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2585, or until the person receives notice that he or she has failed the examination specified in subdivision (c), whichever occurs first, if all of the following conditions apply:

(a) The person performs under the direct and immediate supervision of a registered dietitian.

(b) The person has written verification, including the program director’s original signature, that the person has completed the educational program and possesses an associate’s degree or higher.

(c) The person has applied to take the dietetic technician, registered examination specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 2585 and is waiting for an examination date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 622, Sec. 4. (SB 993) Effective January 1, 2015.)


citation: BPC § 2590

text:
(a) For purposes of this section, “perfusion” means those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, or supplementation of the cardiovascular system, circulatory system with or without the oxygenation circuit, or any combination of those activities, and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary parameters of those systems pursuant to an order and under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon.

(b) Perfusion services include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The use of extracorporeal circulation, cardiopulmonary support techniques, and other ancillary therapeutic and diagnostic technologies. “Extracorporeal circulation,” as used in this section, means the diversion of a patient’s blood through a heart-lung machine or a similar device that assumes the functions of the patient’s heart, lungs, or both.

(2) Counterpulsation, ventricular assistance, autotransfusion, including blood conservation techniques, myocardial and organ preservation, extracorporeal life support, and isolated limb perfusion.

(3) The use of techniques involving blood management, advanced life support, and other related functions.

(c) Perfusion services also include, but only during the performance of functions described in subdivision (b), the following:

(1) The administration of pharmacological and therapeutic agents, blood products, or anesthetic agents through the extracorporeal circuit or through an intravenous line as ordered by a physician and surgeon.

(2) The performance and use of anticoagulation analysis, physiologic monitoring, blood gas and chemistry analysis, hematocrit analysis, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hemoconcentration, and hemodilution. Nothing in this paragraph shall exempt perfusionists from the requirements of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1200), including, but not limited to, quality assurance and equipment maintenance requirements.

(3) The observation of signs and symptoms related to perfusion services.

(4) Making a determination whether the signs and symptoms related to perfusion services exhibit abnormal characteristics.

(5) Implementation, based on observed abnormalities, of appropriate reporting, or perfusion protocols, or changes in treatment regimen, pursuant to an order by a physician and surgeon, or the initiation of emergency procedures. “Perfusion protocols” as used in this section means perfusion-related policies and protocols developed or approved by a licensed health facility or a physician and surgeon through collaboration with administrators and health professionals, including perfusionists.

(d) Commencing January 1, 1993, no person shall hold himself or herself out as a perfusionist, unless at the time of doing so the person meets the educational and examination requirements specified in subdivisions (e) and (f).

(e) Except as provided in subdivision (f), persons holding themselves out as perfusionists shall be graduates of a training program described in Section 2592 and produce satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the entire examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor agency, or the equivalent thereof if an equivalent is determined to be necessary by the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California.

(f) Any person may be deemed to have completed the equivalent of the examination and education requirements if that person is currently certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or if, as of January 1, 1993, the person has practiced as a perfusionist and has annually performed a minimum of 40 cases of cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery in a licensed health facility and has done so for at least five years since January 1, 1987. For the purposes of this subdivision, “licensed health facility” means a health facility licensed in any jurisdiction within the United States.

(g) In order to continue to use the title of “perfusionist,” the person shall complete the continuing education requirements of, or maintain active certification by, the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor agency, or the equivalent if an equivalent is determined to be necessary by the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California.

(h) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 677, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1998.)

chapter: 5.67. Perfusionists

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.67. Perfusionists


citation: BPC § 2591

text:
(a) After completion of an approved perfusion training program, as defined in Section 2592, and until notification of passage of the entire examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor agency, that person shall identify himself or herself only as a “graduate perfusionist.”

(b) The use of the title “graduate perfusionist” is valid for no more than three years from the date of completion of an approved perfusion training program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 677, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)


citation: BPC § 2592

text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2590, all persons calling themselves perfusionists shall be graduates of an approved perfusion training program.

(b) For purposes of this article, an “approved perfusion training program” means a training program in perfusion reviewed by the Accreditation Committee on Perfusion Education and approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or its successor or the equivalent training program if an equivalent is determined to be necessary by the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 677, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)


citation: BPC § 2593

text:
(a) During the period of any clinical training provided by an approved perfusion training program, perfusion may be performed by a student enrolled in the approved perfusion training program when those services are part of his or her course of study.

(b) A person enrolled as a student in an approved perfusion training program shall be identified as a “student perfusionist” or as a “perfusion intern.”

(c) During the period of any clinical training, a student perfusionist or perfusion intern shall be under the direct supervision of a perfusionist who has met all the requirements of this chapter. For purposes of this section, “direct supervision” means assigned to a perfusionist who is on duty and immediately available in the assigned patient care area.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 343, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1993)


citation: BPC § 2595

text: Nothing in this chapter shall limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the practices of other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice under this division in performing perfusion services consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice. None of the activities described in subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 2590, including, but not limited to, extracorporeal life support, shall be construed to be exclusively perfusion services, but may be performed by other licensed persons when consistent with their respective scopes of practice.


citation: BPC § 2596

text: It is the intent of the Legislature that authority be reserved to the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California to adopt examination, continuing education, and training standards for perfusionists, with appropriate consultation, in the event that existing standards of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion or the Accreditation Committee on Perfusion Education of the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association prove inadequate after an appropriate trial period of at least three years.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1267, Sec. 47. Effective January 1, 1994.)


citation: BPC § 2600

text: This chapter may be cited as the Physical Therapy Practice Act.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1284.)

chapter: 5.7. Physical Therapy

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.7. Physical Therapy > 1. Administration and General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2601

text:
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise specified:

(a) “Board” means the Physical Therapy Board of California.

(b) “Physical therapist” means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter to practice physical therapy.

(c) “Physical therapist assistant” means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter to assist in the provision of physical therapy under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. “Physical therapy assistant” and “physical therapist assistant” shall be deemed identical and interchangeable terms.

(d) “Physical therapist technician” and “physical therapy aide,” as described in Section 2630.4, shall be deemed identical and interchangeable terms.

(e) “Physiotherapy” shall be synonymous with “physical therapy.”

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 4. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 1. Administration and General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2602

text:
(a) The Physical Therapy Board of California, hereafter referred to as the board, shall enforce and administer this chapter.

(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the repeal of this section renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 509, Sec. 1. (SB 1438) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)


text: Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the Physical Therapy Board of California in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 107, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: BPC § 2603

text: The members of the board shall consist of four physical therapists, only one of whom shall be involved in physical therapy education, and three public members.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 6. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text:
(a) The physical therapist members of the board shall be appointed from persons having all of the following qualifications:

(1) Be a resident of California.

(2) Possess a valid and unrestricted license in California issued pursuant to this chapter.

(3) Have been licensed pursuant to this chapter and practicing in California for at least five years prior to appointment to the board.

(b) (1) The public members of the board shall have both of the following qualifications:

(A) Be appointed from persons having all of the qualifications as set forth in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 450) of Division 1.

(B) Be a resident of California.

(2) No public member of the board shall be, nor have been, any of the following:

(A) An officer or faculty member of any college, school, or institution involved in physical therapy education.

(B) A licentiate of the Medical Board of California or of any board under this division or of any board referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 7. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2604

text:
The members of the board shall be appointed for a term of four years, expiring on the first day of June of each year.

The Governor shall appoint one of the public members and the four physical therapist members of the board qualified as provided in Sections 2603 and 2603.5. The Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member qualified as provided in Section 2603.5.

No person may serve as a member of the board for more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. Annually, the board shall elect one of its members as president and one of its members as vice president.

The appointing power shall have the power to remove any member of the board from office for neglect of any duty required by law or for incompetency or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 8. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2605

text:
The board shall do all of the following:

(a) Evaluate the qualifications of applicants for licensure.

(b) Provide for the examinations of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and establish a passing score for each examination.

(c) Issue all licenses for the practice of physical therapy in California. Except as otherwise required by the director pursuant to Section 164, the license issued by the board shall describe the licensee as a “physical therapist” or “physical therapist assistant” licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California.

(d) Suspend and revoke licenses and otherwise enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(e) Administer a continuing competency program.

(f) Participate, as a member, in the Delegate Assembly, and in applicable committee meetings, of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

(g) Publish, at least annually, a newsletter that includes, but is not limited to, actions taken by the board, disciplinary actions, and relevant statutory and regulatory changes.

(h) Provide for the timely orientation and training of new professional and public member appointees to the board directly related to board licensing and disciplinary functions and board rules, policies, and procedures.

(i) Adopt and administer a program of education in matters relevant to the regulation of physical therapy.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 10. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2606

text: Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and expenses as provided in Section 103.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 829, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1997.)


citation: BPC § 2607

text:
The board may employ, subject to law, such clerical assistants and, except as provided in Section 159.5, other employees as it may deem necessary to carry out its powers and duties.

The board may enter into contracts for services necessary for enforcement of this chapter and may as necessary select and contract with physical therapy consultants who are licensed physical therapists to assist it in its programs on an intermittent basis. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board may contract with these consultants on a sole source basis. For the purposes of Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code, any consultant under contract with the board shall be considered a public employee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 11. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text:
(a) The board may employ an executive officer exempt from the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code) and may also employ investigators, legal counsel, physical therapist consultants, and other assistance as it may deem necessary to carry out this chapter. The board may fix the compensation to be paid for services and may incur other expenses as it may deem necessary. Investigators employed by the board shall be provided special training in investigating physical therapy practice activities.

(b) The Attorney General shall act as legal counsel for the board for any judicial and administrative proceedings and their services shall be a charge against it.

(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 509, Sec. 2. (SB 1438) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)


citation: BPC § 2608

text: The procedure in all matters and proceedings relating to the denial, suspension, revocation, or probationary restriction of licenses issued by the board under this chapter shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 13. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text: Each member of the board, or any licensed physical therapist appointed by the board, may inspect, or require reports from, a general or specialized hospital or any other facility providing physical therapy care, treatment or services and the physical therapy staff thereof, with respect to the physical therapy care, treatment, services, or facilities provided therein, and may inspect physical therapy patient records with respect to the care, treatment, services, or facilities. The authority to make inspections and to require reports as provided by this section shall not be delegated by a member of the board to any person other than a physical therapist and shall be subject to the restrictions against disclosure described in subdivision (u) of Section 2660.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 14. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2611

text: The board shall meet at least three times each calendar year, meeting at least once each calendar year in northern California and once each calendar year in southern California. The board may convene from time to time until its business is concluded. Special meetings of the board may be held at any time and place as the board may designate. Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 16. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2612

text: The board shall comply with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 17. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2613

text: The board may appoint qualified persons to give the whole or any portion of any examination as provided in this chapter, who shall be designated as a commissioner on examination. A commissioner on examination need not be a member of the board but shall be subject to the same rules and regulations and shall be entitled to the same fee as if he or she were a member of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 829, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 1997.)


citation: BPC § 2614

text: The board shall hear all matters, including, but not limited to, any contested case or any petition for reinstatement, restoration, or modification of probation. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all hearings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. If a contested case is heard by the board the hearing officer who presided at the hearing shall be present during the board’s consideration of the case and, if requested, shall assist and advise the board. The board shall issue its decision pursuant to Section 11517 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 18. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2615

text: The board shall adopt those regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this chapter. In adopting regulations the board shall comply with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 19. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: BPC § 2620

text:
(a) Physical therapy means the art and science of physical or corrective rehabilitation or of physical or corrective treatment of any bodily or mental condition of any person by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and active, passive, and resistive exercise, and shall include physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services. The practice of physical therapy includes the promotion and maintenance of physical fitness to enhance the bodily movement related health and wellness of individuals through the use of physical therapy interventions. The use of roentgen rays and radioactive materials, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, are not authorized under the term “physical therapy” as used in this chapter, and a license issued pursuant to this chapter does not authorize the diagnosis of disease.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or prohibit other healing arts practitioners licensed or registered under this division from practice within the scope of their license or registration.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 117, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.7. Physical Therapy > 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


text:
(a) In addition to receiving those services authorized by Section 2620, a person may initiate physical therapy treatment directly from a licensed physical therapist if the treatment is within the scope of practice of physical therapists, as defined in Section 2620, and all of the following conditions are met:

(1) If, at any time, the physical therapist has reason to believe that the patient has signs or symptoms of a condition that requires treatment beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist or the patient is not progressing toward documented treatment goals as demonstrated by objective, measurable, or functional improvement, the physical therapist shall refer the patient to a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate issued by the Medical Board of California or by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California or to a person licensed to practice dentistry, podiatric medicine, or chiropractic.

(2) The physical therapist shall comply with Section 2633, and shall disclose to the patient any financial interest they have in treating the patient and, if working in a physical therapy corporation, shall comply with Article 6 (commencing with Section 650) of Chapter 1.

(3) With the patient’s written authorization, the physical therapist shall notify the patient’s physician and surgeon, if any, that the physical therapist is treating the patient.

(4) The physical therapist shall not continue treating the patient beyond 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, without receiving, from a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate from the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California or from a person holding a certificate to practice podiatric medicine from the Podiatric Medical Board of California and acting within their scope of practice, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care. Approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care shall include an in-person or telehealth patient examination and evaluation of the patient’s condition, as determined by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist, and, if indicated, testing by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.

(b) The conditions in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) do not apply to a physical therapist under either of the following circumstances:

(1) When the physical therapist is only providing wellness physical therapy services to a patient as described in subdivision (a) of Section 2620.

(2) Pursuant to Section 56363 of the Education Code or Section 7572 of the Government Code, when the physical therapist is providing physical therapy services as part of an individualized family service plan or an individualized education plan pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and the individual receiving those services does not have a medical diagnosis.

(c) (1) This section does not expand or modify the scope of practice for physical therapists set forth in Section 2620, including the prohibition on a physical therapist diagnosing a disease.

(2) This section does not restrict or alter the scope of practice of any other health care professional.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a health care service plan, insurer, workers’ compensation insurance plan, employer, or state program to provide coverage for direct access to treatment by a physical therapist.

(e) When a person initiates physical therapy treatment services directly, pursuant to this section, the physical therapist shall not perform physical therapy treatment services without first providing the following notice to the patient, orally and in writing, in at least 14-point type and signed by the patient:

“Direct Physical Therapy Treatment Services

You are receiving direct physical therapy treatment services from an individual who is a physical therapist licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California.

Under California law, you may continue to receive direct physical therapy treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, after which time a physical therapist may continue providing you with physical therapy treatment services only after receiving, from a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate issued by the Medical Board of California or by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, or from a person holding a certificate to practice podiatric medicine from the Podiatric Medical Board of California and acting within their scope of practice, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care and that an in-person or telehealth patient examination and evaluation was conducted by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.

Patient’s Signature/Date”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 509, Sec. 3. (SB 1438) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


text: A physical therapist licensed pursuant to this chapter may apply topical medications as part of the practice of physical therapy as defined in Section 2620 if he or she complies with regulations duly adopted by the board pursuant to this section and the Administrative Procedure Act. The board shall adopt regulations implementing this section after meeting and conferring with the Medical Board of California and the California State Board of Pharmacy specifying those topical medications applicable to the practice of physical therapy and protocols for their use. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a physical therapist to prescribe medications.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 829, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


text:
A physical therapist may, upon specified authorization of a physician and surgeon, perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance as a part of the practice of physical therapy, as defined in Section 2620, provided the physical therapist is certified by the board to perform the tissue penetration and evaluation and provided the physical therapist does not develop or make diagnostic or prognostic interpretations of the data obtained. Any physical therapist who develops or makes a diagnostic or prognostic interpretation of this data is in violation of the Medical Practice Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2), and may be subject to all of the sanctions and penalties set forth in that act.

The board, after meeting and conferring with the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California, shall do all of the following:

(a) Adopt standards and procedures for tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance by certified physical therapists.

(b) Establish standards for physical therapists to perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance.

(c) Certify physical therapists meeting standards established by the board pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 427, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


text:
(a) Patient records shall be documented as required in regulations promulgated by the board.

(b) Patient records shall be maintained for a period of no less than seven years following the discharge of the patient, except that the records of unemancipated minors shall be maintained at least one year after the minor has reached 18 years of age, and not in any case less than seven years.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 21. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2621

text: Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing a physical therapist to practice medicine, surgery, or any other form of healing except as authorized by Section 2620.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1284.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2622

text:
(a) A physical therapist shall be responsible for managing all aspects of the care of each patient as set forth in regulations promulgated by the board.

(b) A physical therapist shall not supervise more than two physical therapist assistants at one time to assist the physical therapist in his or her practice of physical therapy.

(c) A physical therapist may utilize the services of one aide engaged in patient-related tasks to aid the physical therapist in his or her practice of physical therapy.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 23. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2623

text: The board may, by regulation, prescribe, amend, or repeal any rules contained within a code of professional conduct appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of integrity and dignity in the profession of physical therapy. Every licensee of the board shall be governed and controlled by the rules and standards adopted by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 24. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2630

text: It is unlawful for any person or persons to practice, or offer to practice, physical therapy in this state for compensation received or expected, or to hold himself or herself out as a physical therapist, unless at the time of so doing the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist license issued under this chapter, except as authorized by subdivisions (c), (d), (e), and (g) of Section 2630.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 26. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions


text:
(a) A licensed physical therapist assistant holding a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist assistant license may assist in the provision of physical therapy services only under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed by the board. A licensed physical therapist shall at all times be responsible for the extent, kind, quality, and documentation of all physical therapy services provided by the physical therapist assistant.

(b) It is unlawful for any person or persons to hold himself or herself out as a physical therapist assistant, unless at the time of so doing the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist assistant license issued under this chapter, except as authorized in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 2630.5.

(c) Physical therapist assistants shall not be independently supervised by a physical therapist license applicant, as defined in Section 2639, or a physical therapist student, as defined in Section 2633.7.

(d) A physical therapist assistant shall not perform any evaluation of a patient or prepare a discharge summary. The supervising physical therapist shall determine which elements of the treatment plan, if any, shall be assigned to the physical therapist assistant. Assignment of patient care shall be commensurate with the competence of the physical therapist assistant.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 389, Sec. 27. (SB 198) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 2. Scope of Regulation and Exemptions