This bill amends the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Practice Act by introducing a new section that allows the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy to require state and national criminal history record checks for applicants seeking compact privileges. The bill outlines the requirements for applicants, including submitting fingerprints and authorizing the board and law enforcement agencies to access their criminal records. It also specifies that the results of these checks are not public records and establishes conditions under which applicants with prior criminal convictions may still be eligible for licensure. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board propose rules for legislative approval to implement these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing section related to special volunteer occupational therapist licenses and civil immunity for voluntary services rendered to indigents, which is deemed duplicative. The new language clarifies the definitions of terms relevant to occupational therapy practice and emphasizes the board's authority to regulate licensure based on criminal history while ensuring that applicants are not unfairly disqualified for past convictions that do not relate to their professional responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-28-3, 30-28-4a, 30-28-15