Maintain your license
You earned your state license to practice. Now what? Now you have to maintain it by staying current on the latest trends and research in occupational therapy, and by renewing your license with your state's regulatory agency.
State license renewal requirements
You cannot provide occupational therapy services in the United States if you do not renew your license. Failure to maintain your state license can cost you your job and getting your license back once it has lapsed can be expensive and time-consuming. It is your responsibility to educate yourself as to what steps you need to take to maintain your license. While all state requirements to renew a license can vary, here are the general requirements:
- Complete and submit a license renewal application to your state licensing entity.
- Pay the required fee.
- Make sure you have completed the required continuing education or continuing competency hours (you may not be asked for proof of this at the time you apply for renewal, but you could be asked later!).
Other requirements could include completing a criminal background check, taking an ethics course, or taking an exam on your state's laws and regulations (also called a law or jurisprudence exam).
Continuing education requirements
Completing continuing education or continuing competency requirements is an important part of maintaining your license. This refers to various activities that most state licensing agencies require you to complete to renew your license.
Each state's requirements vary and it is your responsibility to know the requirements in your state. We offer many opportunities to keep yourself current on the latest research, interventions, and trends in the OT profession. Some opportunities are even free!
Importance of maintaining your license
Maintaining your license is also important to keep your professional liability coverage and to keep your ability to bill insurance. Additionally, if your state licensing agency finds out you have been practicing on an expired license, you could be charged with a crime or fined. All states require that once your license lapses, you must stop providing occupational therapy services.
Renew your state license on time
Rest assured, though, if your license does lapse or if you choose not to renew it, you can get it back. Some states have grace periods or late renewal processes where you can renew your license with a minimal penalty. However, the longer you wait to renew, the more expensive and time-consuming it could be for you to re-start practicing. This is why it is in your best interest to renew your license on time.