The proposed bill amends the Occupational Therapy Practice Act in Nebraska by introducing new definitions and clarifying the scope of practice for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Key insertions include the definition of "aide," which refers to individuals providing supportive services under the supervision of licensed professionals, as well as new modalities such as "electromagnetic modalities," "instrument-assisted modalities," and "mechanical modalities." The bill emphasizes the therapeutic use of everyday life occupations to support clients' occupational performance and participation, while also revising existing definitions and licensure requirements, including conditions for granting temporary licenses and qualifications for applying certain modalities.

Additionally, the bill establishes a clear definition of "supervision" within occupational therapy, underscoring the collaborative process necessary for safe and effective service delivery. It outlines the responsibilities of both occupational therapists and assistants, ensuring they are adequately trained and supervised. The bill also repeals several original sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing occupational therapy in the state, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care provided to clients in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-2501, 38-2503, 38-2507, 38-2512, 38-2513, 38-2514, 38-2516, 38-2517, 38-2520, 38-2526, 38-2530, 38-2531