This bill amends the Occupational Therapy Practice Act in Nebraska to redefine key terms and update the scope of practice for occupational therapists and assistants. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "aide," "electromagnetic modalities," "instrument-assisted modalities," and "mechanical modalities." The legislation clarifies the roles of occupational therapy assistants, emphasizing their requirement to work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. Additionally, it specifies the certification and training requirements for occupational therapists to apply physical agent and instrument-assisted modalities. The bill also establishes a temporary licensing process for individuals awaiting examination results, detailing conditions for expiration and prohibiting renewal if the examination is failed.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the practice of occupational therapy by providing a comprehensive definition of its scope, including the evaluation of daily living activities and intervention methods. It establishes a clear definition of "supervision" to ensure safe and effective service delivery and repeals several original sections of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, indicating a significant update to the legal framework. Overall, this legislation aims to modernize and clarify occupational therapy standards and practices, ensuring that practitioners are well-trained and capable of meeting the diverse health needs of individuals.

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