The bill amends the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Practice Act by adding 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. This includes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, who must submit fingerprints and authorize the board to access their criminal history records. The results of these checks will be confidential and not considered public records, and applicants will be responsible for the costs associated with the checks. Additionally, the board is empowered to propose rules for legislative approval to implement these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing section regarding special volunteer occupational therapist licenses and civil immunity for voluntary services rendered to indigents, effectively removing this provision from the law. The changes aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding occupational therapy practice in West Virginia, ensuring that practitioners meet specific eligibility criteria while maintaining the confidentiality of their criminal history records.

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