“Association” - The Alabama Occupational Therapy Association.

“Board” - The Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.

“License” - A valid and current certificate of registration issued by the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.

“Occupational Therapist” - A person licensed to practice occupational therapy whose license is in good standing.

“Occupational Therapy”- The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for habilitation, rehabilitation, and the promotion of health and wellness to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction.

“Occupational Therapy Assistant” - A person licensed to assist in the practices of occupational therapy under the supervision of, or with the consultation of, a licensed occupational therapist whose license is in good standing.

“Occupational Therapy Aide” - A person who assists in the delivery of occupational therapy, who works under direct on-site supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, or both, and whose activities require an understanding of occupational therapy but do not require professional or advanced training in the basic anatomical, biological, psychological, and social sciences involved in the practice of occupational therapy.

“Person” - A human person only, not a legal entity.

“Supervision”- A collaborative process for the responsible periodic review and inspection of all aspects of occupational therapy services. Responsibility of supervision is shared between the supervising occupational therapist(s) and the occupational therapy assistant(s) and/or all unlicensed personnel involved with the provision of occupational therapy services, including aides and students.

“Direct Supervision”- The supervising occupational therapist is in the immediate area of the occupational therapy assistant while performing supportive services.

“Close Supervision”- The supervising occupational therapist provides initial direction to the occupational therapy assistant and daily contact while on the premises at least 50% of the occupational therapy assistant’s direct patient care hours per month.

“General Supervision” - The supervising occupational therapist has face-to-face contact with the occupational therapy assistant at least once every 30-calendar days, with the supervising occupational therapist available by telephone, electronic, or written communication.

“With the consultation of” - The collaboration of two or more persons on a regularly scheduled basis for the purpose of planning, review, or evaluation of occupational therapy services.

Reference

Ala. Code §34-39-3

Ala. Admin. Code 625-X-8-.01