Is a referral required to provide OT services?

Yes.

No occupational therapy treatment programs to be rendered by an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or occupational therapy aide shall be initiated without the referral.

Long-term and chronic disability

In cases of long-term or chronic disease, disability, or dysfunction, or any combination of the foregoing, requiring continued occupational therapy services, the person receiving occupational therapy services shall be reevaluated by a licensed physician, a licensed chiropractor, a licensed optometrist, a licensed assistant to a physician acting pursuant to a valid supervisory agreement, a licensed certified registered nurse practitioner in a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician, a licensed psychologist, or a licensed dentist at least annually for confirmation or modification of the diagnosis.

Are there exceptions to the referral requirement?

Occupational therapists performing services that are not related to injury, disease, or illness that are performed in a wellness or community setting for the purposes of enhancing performance in everyday activities are exempt from this referral requirement.

Occupational therapists employed by state agencies and those employed by the public schools and colleges of this state who provide screening and rehabilitation services for the educationally related needs of the students are exempt from the referral requirement.

Which providers can issue the referral?

No occupational therapy treatment programs to be rendered without the referral of:

• A licensed physician,
• A licensed chiropractor,
• A licensed optometrist,
• A licensed assistant to a physician acting pursuant to a valid supervisory agreement,
• A licensed certified registered nurse practitioner in a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician,
• A licensed psychologist, or
• A licensed dentist

Reference

Ala. Code §34-39-3