The bill amends existing laws related to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Alaska, specifically outlining the scope of practice for these professionals. It establishes that occupational therapists can provide therapy without needing a referral from another healthcare provider and details the various services they are authorized to offer, such as evaluating and treating pain, managing daily living activities, and utilizing assistive technology. Additionally, the bill allows occupational therapy assistants to assist in administering therapy under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, ensuring that they are professionally competent in their tasks.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definitions of "occupational therapy" and "occupational therapy assistant." It removes the phrase "for compensation" from the definition of occupational therapy and replaces "human beings" with "persons" to broaden the language. The definition of an occupational therapy assistant is updated to clarify that they administer or assist with administering occupational therapy under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. A new definition for "test and measurement" is also added, encompassing various diagnostic methods accepted in the field.

Statutes affected:
HB0347A, AM HB 347, introduced 02/23/2026: 08.84.190