New Law Affecting OTs, OTAs
Governor Jared Polis signed SB 21-003 Concerning the Re-Creation and Reenactment, with Amendments, of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act on January 21, 2021.
The new law re-creates the Practice Act, and re-enacts regulation of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants by the Division of Professions and Occupations within DORA. The Practice Act exists largely as it did in 2020, with certain amendments based on the 2020 sunset report.
The law: updates protected titles; authorizes telehealth pursuant to director rules; adds and updates definitions concerning the scope of practice; changes requirements related to examinations and applications; adds prohibited behaviors; permits unlicensed occupational therapy doctoral students to practice under appropriate supervision; and makes other technical alterations.
Professionals affected by these changes are encouraged to read the entire text of SB 21-003. Questions may be referred to dpo@state.co.us.
New Surprise/Balance Billing Disclosure Form
As part of the implementation of House Bill 19-1174 Out-of-network Surprise Billing, the Division of Professions and Occupations is providing a sample disclosure form that meets the requirements of the bill and associated Rules adopted by the Division's Director.