House Bill No. 1182, introduced by Representative Egan, amends various provisions related to the licensure of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Louisiana. The bill updates the requirements for licensure, including the necessity for applicants to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination, replacing the previous requirement for the "Certification Examination for Occupational Therapist, Registered." Additionally, the bill specifies that the board will now utilize the NBCOT for administering examinations, rather than the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA). It also introduces a waiver for individuals certified by the NBCOT prior to the effective date of the new law, allowing them to obtain a license without examination.

Furthermore, the bill revises the fee structure for licensure, significantly increasing application and renewal fees for both occupational therapists and assistants. For instance, the initial application fee for occupational therapists is raised from $50 to $150, while the renewal fee increases from $25 to $100. The bill also clarifies that continuing education requirements will apply to occupational therapists in state facilities, and it eliminates previous provisions regarding fee reductions for occupational therapy assistants. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process while ensuring that standards for certification and practice are maintained.

Statutes affected:
HB1182 Original: 37:3006, 37:3009(B), 37:3012(B)(3), 37:3013(A)
HB1182 Engrossed: 37:3006, 37:3009(B), 37:3012(B)(3), 37:3013(A)