NY OT Continuing Competence Bill Signed
On August 17, 2012, the governor of New York signed Senate Bill 2935. In doing so, the state is poised to join 42 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) to complete continuing competence requirements. Senate Bill 2935 requires licensed OTs and regulated OTAs in New York to complete 36 hours of learning activities that contribute to continuing competence every 3 years. At least 24 hours of those activities must pertain to the scope of practice of occupational therapy. Learning activities can include collegiate level coursework, self-study activities, formal mentoring activities, publications in professional journals, professional development programs, or a range of other options. The bill also established continuing competence fees of $45 for OTs and $25 for OTAs, to be paid every 3 years at the time of registration. The New York State Occupational Therapy Association has lobbied for this requirement since legislation to mandate continuing competence requirements was introduced in 2004. The bill was also supported by AOTA.
