Wyo. Code R. 083-0001-3
Effective Date: 05/16/2001 to 08/15/2018
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 083.0001.3.05162001
(a) An occupational therapist currently licensed by the Board:
(i) Evaluates the patient/client.
(ii) Prepares a written program plan and provides treatment as appropriate.
(iii) Assigns treatment duties based on that program plan to an occupational therapy assistant currently licensed by the Board who has been specifically trained to carry out those duties.
(iv) Monitors the occupational therapy assistant’s performance.
(v) Accepts professional responsibility for the occupational therapy assistant’s performance.
(b) An occupational therapy assistant currently licensed by the board assists in the practice of occupational therapy and performs treatment and delegated assessment commensurate with their education and training.
(a) A licensed COTA/OTA may assist in the practice of occupational therapy only under the supervision of an OTR/OT.
(b) The supervisor shall have supervisory contact with the COTA/OTA at least 5% of the time worked by the assistant in direct patient care. Additional supervisory guidelines are as follows:
(i) Entry-level COTA/OTA (working on initial skill development or entering new practice.) Close supervision by OTR/OT is recommended. “Close Supervision” means daily, direct contact at the site of work.
(ii) Intermediate-level COTA/OTA (working on increased skill development and mastery of basic role functions and demonstrates ability to respond to situations based on previous experience.) Routine supervision by an OTR/OT is recommended. “Routine supervision” means direct contact at least every two weeks at the site of work, with interim supervision occurring by other methods, such as telephonic, electronic or written communication.
(iii) Advanced-level COTA/OTA (refining specialized skills with the ability to understand complex issues affecting role functions.) General supervision is recommended. “General Supervision” means at least monthly direct contact, with interim supervision available as needed by other methods.
(c) The supervisor shall maintain a supervisory plan and shall document the supervision of each COTA/OTA. Documentation shall include evidence of regular supervision and contact between the supervisor and the assistant and may be subject to Board review upon request. Supervision includes the following:
(i) Communicating to the COTA/OTA the results of patient/client evaluation and discussing the goals and program plan for the patient/client.
(ii) Providing information, instruction and assistance as needed.
(iii) Preparing on a regular basis, but at least annually, a written appraisal of the COTA/OTA's performance and discussing appraisal.
(iv) The supervisor may assign to a competent COTA/OTA 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.
(v) More frequent supervision may be necessary as determined by the OTR/OT or the COTA/OTA, dependent on the level of expertise displayed by the COTA/OTA, the setting and the population characteristics.
(d) A supervisor who is temporarily unable to provide supervision shall arrange for substitute supervision by an OTR/OT currently licensed by the Board. The substitute shall provide supervision that is as rigorous and thorough as that provided by the permanent supervisor.
(e) Failure to comply with this section constitutes unprofessional conduct.
(a) Supervision under a limited permit requires on-going direction and instruction to establish and maintain occupational therapy service combined with evaluations of performance of a limited permit holder's services without the necessity of the supervising therapist being physically present when services are being conducted.
(b) Written documentation of each supervisory session shall be recorded and signed by the supervising therapist and limited permit holder. The original documentation shall be submitted to the Board prior to a permanent license being issued.
(c) Supervisor shall notify the Board in writing of termination of supervision
(a) It is the professional responsibility of licensees to provide services for clients without regard to race, creed, national origin, gender, disability or religious affiliation.
(b) The licensee shall be acquainted with applicable local, state, federal laws and institutional rules and shall function accordingly.
(c) The licensee shall inform employers, employees and colleagues about those laws and policies that apply to the profession of occupational therapy.
(d) The licensee shall function with discretion and integrity in relations with colleagues and other professionals and shall be concerned with the quality of their services.
(e) The licensee shall report illegal, incompetent or unethical practice to the appropriate authority.
(f) The licensee shall not disclose privileged information when participating in reviews of peers, programs or systems.
(g) The licensee who employs or supervises colleagues shall provide appropriate supervision, as defined in AOTA supervision guidelines or state laws, rules and regulations and institutional policies.
(h) The licensee shall recognize the contributions of colleagues when disseminating professional information.
(i) Treatment objectives and the therapeutic process shall be formulated to ensure professional accountability.
(j) Occupational therapy evaluation services shall be goal-directed in accordance with the overall educational, habilitation or rehabilitation plan and shall include a system to ensure professional accountability.
(k) The licensee shall recommend termination of services when established goals have been met or when further services would not produce improved client performance.
(l) The licensee shall accurately represent their competence, education, training and experience.
(m) The licensee shall only provide services and use techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience.
(n) The licensee shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid harm to the client or detriment to the client's property.
(o) The licensee shall inform subjects involved in education or research activities of the potential outcome of those activities.
(p) When applicable, the licensee shall establish fees, based on cost analysis, that are commensurate with services rendered.
(q) The licensee shall accurately record information and report information as required by facility standards and state and federal laws.
(r) All data recorded in permanent files or records shall be supported by the licensee’s observations or by objective measures of data collection.
(s) Client’s records shall only be divulged as authorized by law or with the client’s consent for release of information.
(t) The licensee shall not delegate to other personnel those client-related services where the clinical skills and expertise of a licensee are required.
(u) The licensee shall refer clients to other service providers or consult with other service providers when additional knowledge and expertise is required.
Section 5. Unprofessional Conduct. The failure of a licensee to abide by the ethical standards adopted by the Board shall constitute unprofessional conduct and grounds for disciplinary action.