Tennessee OT Supervision and Delegation

Supervision Definitions

Supervision is defined as the following:

• Continuous: Within sight of the individual being supervised.
• Close: Daily direct contact at the site of treatment.
• Routine: Direct contact at least every two (2) weeks at the site of treatment, with interim supervision occurring by other methods such as telephone or written communication.
• General: At least monthly direct contact with supervision available as needed by other methods.
• Minimal:
• For supervision of occupational therapists, minimal supervision may be provided on an as-needed basis and may be less than monthly.
• For supervision of occupational therapy assistants, minimal supervision is not appropriate.

Responsibilities when Supervising/Delegating

The supervising occupational therapist is responsible for all services provided by the occupational therapy assistant, including, but not limited to, the formulation and implementation of a plan of occupational therapy services for each client, and has a continuing responsibility to follow the progress of each client and to ensure the effective and appropriate supervision of the occupational therapy assistant according to the needs of the client.

Supervision is an interactive process that requires both the licensed occupational therapist and the licensed occupational therapy assistant or other supervisee to share responsibility for communication between the supervisor and the supervisee. The licensed occupational therapist should provide the supervision and the supervisee should seek it. An outcome of appropriate supervision is to enhance and promote quality services and the professional development of the individuals involved.

Citations

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-206

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.01