Delaware Administrative Code
Title 24 - Regulated Professions and Occupations
Department of State
Division of Professional Regulation
2000 - Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Section 2000-1.0 - Supervision/consultation Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Universal Citation: 24 DE Admin Code 2000-1.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

1.1 Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this regulation shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Occupational therapy assistant" shall mean a person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of an occupational therapist. 24 Del.C. § 2002.

"Under the supervision of an occupational therapist" means the interactive process between the licensed occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant. It shall be more than a paper review or co-signature. The supervising occupational therapist is responsible for insuring the extent, kind, and quality of the services rendered by the occupational therapy assistant.

* The phrase, "under the supervision of an occupational therapist," as used in the definition of occupational therapist assistant includes, but is not limited to the following requirements:

* Communicating to the occupational therapy assistant the results of patient/client evaluation and discussing the goals and program plan for the patient/client;

* In accordance with supervision level and applicable health care, educational, professional and institutional regulations, reevaluating the patient/client, reviewing the documentation, modifying the program plan if necessary and co-signing the plan;

* Case management;

* Determining program termination;

* Providing information, instruction and assistance as needed;

* Observing the occupational therapy assistant periodically; and

* Preparing on a regular basis, but at least annually, a written appraisal of the occupational therapy assistant's performance or discussion of that appraisal with the assistant.

1.2 Supervision for Occupational Therapy Assistants

1.2.1 Supervising occupational therapists must have at least 1 year clinical experience after they have received permanent licensure. The supervisor may assign to a competent occupational therapy assistant the administration of standardized tests, the performance of activities of daily living evaluations and other elements of patient/client evaluation and reevaluation that do not require the professional judgment and skill of an occupational therapist. The occupational therapy assistant may not evaluate or develop a treatment plan independently.

1.2.2 The amount of supervision should be determined by the occupational therapist before the individuals enter into a supervisor/supervisee relationship. The chosen amount of supervision should be reevaluated regularly for effectiveness. Special consideration should be given to experience and any changes in practice area concentrations.

1.2.3 The supervising occupational therapist, in collaboration with the occupational therapy assistant, shall maintain a written supervisory plan specifying the amount of supervision and shall document the supervision of each occupational therapy assistant. The amount of supervision should be determined by the occupational therapist before the individuals enter into a supervisor/supervisee relationship. The chosen amount of supervision should be reevaluated regularly for effectiveness. This plan shall be reviewed at least every 6 months or more frequently as demands of service changes.

1.2.4 A supervisor who is temporarily unable to provide supervision shall arrange for substitute supervision by an occupational therapist licensed by the Board with at least 1 year of clinical experience, as defined above, to provide supervision as specified by Section 1.0 of this regulation.

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