Scope of Practice Advocacy

Scope of practice

An occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's scope of practice is defined in state law and describes the services that the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant is deemed competent in and permitted to perform. AOTA's advocacy efforts in this area include advocating for legislation to update state practice acts and reviewing legislation related to both other profession's practice act revisions and new licensure of professions to ensure there is no infringement on the occupational therapy scope of practice.

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Why scope of practice matters

Articulating the domain of occupational therapy practice through state laws provides guidance to consumers, as well as state regulators, payers and others, on the appropriate provision of occupational therapy services and the conduct of occupational therapy practitioners. It is important to ensure that the terminology used in occupational therapy practice acts reflects contemporary practice.

The ability of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to compete in the marketplace, and the integrity of the occupational therapy profession's domain, are only as strong as the legal structures that are in place in all 50 states and other jurisdictions.

AOTA's efforts, in collaboration with occupational therapy state associations, to advocate for the occupational therapy scope of practice are twofold:

asserting the scope of occupational therapy through state practice acts
defending the scope of occupational therapy as other professions seek initial licensure (e.g., recreational therapy, art and music therapy, and behavior analysts) and expand their scope of practice (e.g., physical therapy and athletic training) to include interventions typically within the domain of occupational therapy.

Related resources

Colorful map of the United States of America with states and cities labeled

Scope of practice by state

Occupational therapy profession scope of practice definitions by state.

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Physical agent modalities chart

State occupational therapy statutes, regulations, and policy statements with specific physical agent modalities provisions

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Definition of occupational therapy for the AOTA Model Practice ACT (June 2021)

AOTA encourages state associations to pursue legislation periodically, if the climate will support it, to update the scope of practice language in their state licensure laws to ensure that it accurately reflects an up-to-date description of the profession.

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Practice essentials: Scope of practice

When working as an occupational therapy practitioner, some situations may lead you to ask the question, "Is this in my scope of practice?" This decision guide will lead you through the process of how to answer that question.