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Senate Passes Measure in Support of Occupational Therapy
Kenneth P. LaValle
June 29, 2010
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ISSUE:
- Health
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that legislation he sponsored that would allow Occupational Therapists to treat non-medical conditions and provide for the licensure of Occupational Therapy Assistants has passed the Senate.
According to Senator LaValle, current law allows Occupational Therapists to perform an evaluation of a non-medical condition, but not to treat the condition without a prescription or referral. The law dates back to when occupational therapy was primarily a hospital, nursing home, and psychiatric based service. Since that time, the profession has grown and services are provided to people of all ages in a wide variety of settings. The measure sponsored by Senator LaValle would allow an Occupational Therapist to treat certain non-medical conditions without the need for a prescription or referral. In addition, the legislation proposes to license Occupational Therapy Assistants so that these professionals would be more adequately regulated.
“Occupational therapy is a highly respected profession and recognized as a valued source of wellness and prevention services,” said Senator LaValle. “The measure I sponsored would improve Occupational Therapists’ ability to evaluate and treat patients in their mission to promote a healthy and more productive lifestyle.”
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