Rules Updates

OTPTAT Board Administrative Rules

Ohio law, also known as the Ohio Revised Code, is amplified by administrative rules created by state agencies. The rules for the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board may be found here:

OTPTAT Guide to Rulemaking

OTPTAT rules

 

Any person may comment on on OTPTAT Board rules at any time by simply sending an email to Rules@otptat.ohio.gov. Please include your name, email, and the rule number on which you are commenting.

 

Register of Ohio

The Register of Ohio is the official repository of rules filed with JCARR. This website contains the official text of the proposed changes, as well as the "Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis" for each rule filed by the Board.

Business Impact Analysis - Common Sense Initiative 

A state rule-making agency may propose to adopt a new rule, amend, or rescind an existing rule, or propose to continue a rule without any changes. Executive Order 2011-01K and sections 107.62 and 121.82 of the Ohio Revised Code require state agencies to draft rules in collaboration with stakeholders, assess and justify any adverse impact on the  business community, and provide an opportunity for the affected public to provide input on the proposed rules. The Business Impact Analysis for proposed rules discusses the purpose of the rule and identifies the nature of the adverse impact on licensees. The Common Sense Initiative review must be complete before the rules can begin the formal rule-making process through the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).

Rules Under Review

The OTPTAT Board seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rules which have been filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review. The OTPTAT Board is going through an overhaul of its rules. Because the board is structured in four separate sections for governance purposes (OT, PT, AT, OPP), over time duplicative rules were developed. Most of these rules are nearly identical in order to promote uniform processes for efficiency purposes. The Board has decided to combine these rules which are often repeated four times. This will result in a very large reduction in rules, going from 169 total rules to 86. It also means that the rules will be renumbered into separate sections when they are profession specific. Please review the language of the rules below by clicking on the link to open a pdf version of the rules. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable) as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through September 26, 2023 at 10:30 AM. 

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

Rules being rescinded and replaced

4755-1-01 Notice of meetings Replaces identical rules for all OTPTAT Board sections detail how a person can receive notice of OTPTAT Board meetings in accordance with the sunshine law. Changes relate to removing specificity around exact contact information, which can be more easily found on the board website. 4755-1-01, 4755-21-01, 4755-40-01, 4755-61-01
4755-1-02 Method of public notice in adopting, amending, or rescinding rules Replaces identical rules for all OTPTAT Board sections detail the rule-making process for the Board in accordance with Chapter 119 and section 106.03 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Common Sense Initiative process was added to the rule. 4755-1-02, 4755-21-02, 4755-40-02, 4755-61-02
4755-1-03, 1-04, 1-05, 1-06, 1-07, 1-08 Personal Information Systems, Definitions, Procedures for accessing confidential personal information, confidentiality statutes, restricting and logging access to CPI in computerized personal information systems Replaces identical rules for all OTPTAT Board sections implement the restrictions to accessing confidential personal information that are Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1347. 4755-8-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, 4755-26-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, 4755-40-03, -04, -05, -06, -07, 4755-61-03, -04, -05, -06, -07
4755-2-02 Denial and disciplinary procedures Replaces rules that detail the board’s authority to discipline or deny a license in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapters 4755 and 4779. 4755-3-06, 4755-21-03, 4755-48-02, 4755-64-04
4755-2-03 Reinstatement of a revoked license or reconsideration of a denied license Replaces rules that detail the board’s authority and the questions to consider when asked to reconsider the reinstatement of a revoked or denied license 4755-3-07, 4755-23-15, 4755-43-10, 4755-63-10
4755-2-04 Investigations and inspections Replaces rules that detail the various Board sections’ ability to conduct investigations and inspections at workplaces related Ohio Revised Code chapters 4755 and 4779. Only change is to reiterate the ORC Section that deems investigations confidential since we receive so many questions about public records. 4755-1-03, 4755-48-01, 4755-64-03
4755-3-01 Certificate of license; display; copies Replaces rules that detail the manner by which a license holder must be able to display their certificate of license. No substantive change. 4755-3-02, 4755-23-05, 4755-44-02, 4755-63-07
4755-3-02 Notice of change of name, place of employment, e-mail, and mailing address Replaces rules to remind a license holder that they must update the board with important contact information within 30 days of a change.

4755-3-08, 4755-23-07, 4755-44-01, 4755-64-05

4755-3-03 Verification of licensure Replaces rules that detail the process to obtain an official verification to another state or entity of license status from the OTPTAT Board. 4755-3-13, 4755-23-11, 4755-43-09, 4755-63-11
4755-3-05 Criminal records check Replaces rules that detail the process for obtaining a criminal background check as required by ORC 4779.091 and 4755.70 for the purpose of obtaining an initial license. 4755-3-14, 4755-23-14, 4755-43-07, 4755-63-12
4755-4-01 Fees Each individual rule sets a single fee amount or ceiling. These will be consolidated into one single rule with all board fees. No fees are being raised by the Board. 4755-5-01, -04, -05, -06, -07, -08, -09, -11, 4755-24-01, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07, -08, 4755-47-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, 4755-66-01, -03, -04, -06, -07, -08, -09, -10
4755-4-02 Waiver of fees Replaces rules that detail the circumstances when the Board may waive a required fee. 4755-5-10, 4755-24-09, 4755-66-11

 

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

Rules being rescinded and replaced

4755:1-1-02 Educational requirements Describes the minimum level of educational requirements to become an occupational therapist (OT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Only change is to align the number of years of experience in a state not requiring licensure with SB 131 (from five to two). 4755-3-03
4755:1-1-03 Examination requirements The rule requires an OT and OTA applicant to have passed the examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. 4755-3-04
4755:1-1-04 Active practice defined Defines what it means to actively practice occupational therapy and underscores the requirement to have a license to do so. 4755-3-09
4755:1-1-05 Biennial renewal of license Describes the renewal process and the requirements to renew a license, including filling out an application, paying a fee, and completing continuing education. 4755-3-10
4755:1-3-02 Waivers; exemption for continuing education Describes the criteria for and the process of obtaining a waiver or extension of continuing education requirements. 4755-9-02
Rescind Escrow of license; restoration GIves details on how to restore a license from escrow; Proposed for rescission - the OT Section ceased permitting licenses to enter escrow in 2018 and all possible licenses in escrow at the time have either been restored or expired. 4755-3-05

 

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

Rules being rescinded and replaced

4755:3-2-01 Code of ethical conduct Establishes a code of ethics for athletic trainers and combines three rules into one to include the requirements that a license holder self-report certain offenses to the board within 30 days. 4755-41-01, 4755-41-02, 4755-41-03
4755:3-2-03 Unauthorized practice Reiterates that a license is required to practice athletic training in the state of Ohio. 4755-42-01
4755:3-2-05 Required credential to indicated licensure Specifies the correct credentials to use to indicate licensure. 4755-42-03

 

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

Rules being rescinded and replaced

4755:4-2-01 Ethical and professional conduct This rule is the code of ethics for orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. Violations of this rule may result in discipline. 4755-64-01
4755:4-2-04 Proper use of credentials This rule details how a practitioner should document and represent credentials for licensure, reinforcing that licensure is required to practice. 4755-64-02

 

The Physical Therapy Section seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rule which is being submitted for early stakeholder release. Please click on the link for the rule to read the proposed changes. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable), as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through August 24, 2023.

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

4755-23-12 Requirements for foreign educated applicants

Previously, the law allowed for licensure of a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who were educated in a country other than the United States if that person can demonstrate through an education evaluation that their education was equivalent to the same in the U.S. based on the time of the initial licensure in the other country. There are some countries, such as India, that use physical therapists, but do not license them. This language poses a problem for individuals who were educated elsewhere and who are trying to come to work in the United States without having been licensed in that other country. 

A language change in the budget allows educational equivalency to be based on when that person graduated for people coming from countries that do not issue a license or registration. This rule change aligns with the new law that was changed in the budget bill.

 

The OTPTAT Board seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rule which is being submitted for early stakeholder release. Changes to the rules for licensure under unique and exceptional circumstances will allow someone who is in Ohio who has a BOC accreditation to become licensed in Ohio similar to the requirements of the new reciprocity language for those licensed or certified in another state. Senate Bill 131, passed last General Assembly, requires the Board to issue a license to a person who holds a substantially equivalent license in another state or who has held a private certification in a state that doesn't require licensure for the past two years.

Please click on the link for the rule to read the proposed changes. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable), as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through August 24, 2023.

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

4755-63-15 Unique and exceptional circumstances Allows someone in Ohio who has at least two years withing the last five, including spending 75 percent of work time providing direct patient care AND a BOC certification to become licensed in Ohio. This will align licensure requirements for those with BOC credentials in Ohio with others who have BOC who are coming from out of state under Senate Bill 131 which required license reciprocity with other states.

 

The OTPTAT Board seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rules which are being submitted for review by the Common Sense Initiative. Senate Bill 131, passed last General Assembly, requires the Board to issue a license to a person who holds a substantially equivalent license in another state or who has held a private certification in a state that doesn't require licensure for the past two years. The changes in these rules align the language of the practice act to Senate Bill 131. Please review the language of the rules below by clicking on the link. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov and csipubliccomments@governor.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable), as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through August 24, 2023.

New Rules Business Impact Analysis

Rescinded Rules Business Impact Analysis

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

Rules being rescinded and replaced
4755:2-1-02 PT - Educational requirements Sets minimum educational requirements for licensure to include graduating from a program accredited by CAPTE or meeting equivalence for an individual educated internationally. Changes Ohio Revised Code cross references to align with Senate Bill 131 language.  4755-23-02
4755:2-1-03 PT - License by examination States that an applicant must pass the NPTE/PES and a laws and rules exam to be eligible for a license. Changes Ohio Revised Code cross references to align with Senate Bill 131 language.  4755-23-03
4755:2-1-04 PT - License by endorsement Sets the requirements to obtain a license in Ohio if the individual has a license in another state. Changes cross refences to align with Senate Bill 131. 4755-23-04
4755:2-1-08 PT - Requirements for teaching physical therapy Sets the requirements for licensure for persons teaching physical therapy in the state of Ohio. Changes clarify that licensure is required if a person is teaching in Ohio for more than one year. 4755-23-13
4755:3-1-03 AT - Education Sets minimum educational requirements for licensure. Changes Ohio Revised Code cross references to align with Senate Bill 131 language.  4755-43-04
4755:4-1-02 OPP - Licensure for out-of-state applicants

Describes the requirement for applicants for licensure in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics if they are coming from another state. Aligns with Senate Bill 131 by:

  1. Allowing a person to be certified by either ABC or BOC if they have had a license in another state for at least one year.
  2. Allows a person who is certified by either ABC or BOC for at least two years in a state that doesn't offer licensure to be licensed in Ohio.
4755-63-02

 

The OTPTAT Board seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rules which are being submitted for review by the Common Sense Initiative. These rules on youth sports concussion and head injury assessment and clearance are being updated to reflect the most recent guidelines issued by the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, now known as the Amsterdam Guidlines. Identical rules across the OT/PT/AT practice acts are being rescinded and consolidated into one rule for all professions. Please review the language of the rules below by clicking on the link. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov and csipubliccomments@governor.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable), as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through August 24, 2023.

Rules Business Impact Analysis

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

4755-5-01 Youth sports concussion and head injury assessment and clearance Updated to reflect Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022
4755-7-11 Youth sports concussion and head injury assessment and clearance Rescinded and consolidated into 4755-5-01
4755-27-08 Youth sports concussion and head injury assessment and clearance Rescinded and consolidated into 4755-5-01
4755-43-13 Youth sports concussion and head injury assessment and clearance Rescinded and consolidated into 4755-5-01

 

The OTPTAT Board seeks your comments and feedback on the following proposed rules which have been filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review. Please review the language of the rules below by clicking on the link to open a pdf version of the rules. Submit your comments to rules@otptat.ohio.gov. Include contact information with your name, phone number, email address, and license type (if applicable) as well as the number of the rule on which you have comments. The Board will accept comments through August 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM. 

These rules are in response to House Bill 509 from the 134th General Assembly. This bill made the following changes to licensure for OP&P:

  • Eliminates temporary licenses to practice orthotics, prosthetics, orthotics and prosthetics, and pedorthics
  • Eliminates a requirement that an applicant for a license to practice orthotics, prosthetics, orthotics and prosthetics, or pedorthics practice under a licensee for at least eight months before being eligible for the license. 

Rule Number

Title

Summary of Changes

4755-62-01 Definition of terms. To be rescinded. Eliminates definitions related to temporary licensure.
4755:4-2-02 Definition of terms. Replaces 4755-62-01. Eliminates definitions related to temporary licensure.
4755-63-01 Applications for initial licensure by examination. To be rescinded. Eliminates the requirements to have a signed statement attesting to having conducted an eith-month supervision by a Ohio-license holder. This was eliminated by House Bill 509.
4755:4-1-01 Applications for initial licensure by examination. Replaces 4755-63-01. Eliminates the requirements to have a signed statement attesting to having conducted an eith-month supervision by a Ohio-license holder. This was eliminated by House Bill 509.
4755-63-06 Temporary license application procedure. To be rescinded. No longer needed.
4755-63-15 Unique and exceptional qualifications. To be rescinded. Eliminates references to temporary licensure.
4755:4-1-09 Unique and exceptional qualifications. Replaces 4755-63-15. Eliminates references to temporary licensure.
4755-66-02 Temporary license fee. To be rescinded. No longer needed.
4755-66-05 Fee to upgrade from temporary to full license. To be rescinded. No longer needed.

 

Contact


77 S. High Street, 16th Floor • Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Tel: (614) 466-3774 • TTY: (877) 644-6826

Board@otptat.ohio.gov
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