Michigan Occupational Therapy Association

Public Act (PA) 523 of 2008 was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm on Jan 12, 2009. This act provides licensure for Michigan occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.  A pdf version of the law is available on this website, or it can be accessed at
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ve0qlh45k5q3yr55402jwc55))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2007-SB-0921.

What does licensure mean?
It means that, for the first time in Michigan, a scope of practice for occupational therapy is identified and legally enforceable effective immediately. 
The practice of OT without a license is illegal and punishable under the law. This is not effective immediately; current registration with the state of Michigan is sufficient until licenses are received.

I’m a practicing therapist already. What does this mean to me?
OTs and OT assistants who are currently legally registered in MI will be “grandfathered” into licensure and replacement licenses are expected to be sent out in June.

When you receive your license you may use the following titles:
OT: Occupational Therapist or OT, Occupational Therapist Licensed or OTL.
OTs who additionally maintain current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) may also use the titles Occupational Therapist Registered, OTR, Occupational Therapist Registered Licensed or OTRL.   

OTA: Occupational Therapy Assistant or OTA, Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed or OTAL.
OTAs who additionally maintain current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) may also use the titles Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed or COTAL.   

Please note the distinction between NBCOT and state licensure. NBCOT is a voluntary organization; you may choose to belong or not to belong with no penalty. State licensure is mandatory. You may not practice legally in the state of Michigan without a license. It’s against the law. People found practicing without a license will be prosecuted by the state.

I’m in school or completing my fieldwork affiliations now. What do I do to be licensed in Michigan?

The following criteria must be met to receive a license to practice occupational therapy in the state of Michigan: (1) Graduation from OT education program, (2) Passing the national certification exam, (3) Evidence of good moral character, which means the “propensity of the person to serve the public in a fair, honest, and open manner” (338.41), (4) a working knowledge of English language, (5) Application and payment of the required fee, and (6) a fingerprint and background check.

The Michigan State Police have contracted with Integrated Biometric Technology (IBT), to perform the fingerprint scans. Information about how to schedule a fingerprinting appointment and the form that must be taken to the appointment is included in each licensing/registration application packet. There is a fee of $65.25 that each applicant must pay to IBT for this service. This is in addition to the state application fee.

Is there anything new I need to know about to maintain my license?

First, evidence of continuing professional development will be required for renewal of licensure. The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists will develop rules and regulations for the types of development activities that will be accepted.

Second, the cost of licensure and relicensure is anticipated to increase by approximately $10.

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists will also be developing rules related to a lapsed license. Currently, if a license is lapsed more than three years, and you do not hold a current license in another state, the therapist is required to retake the NBCOT certification examination.

As a reminder, when your license lapses, you can no longer practice your profession nor can you identify yourself as a licensed or registered individual. Reimbursement for your services may be jeopardized. Practicing without a valid license is a felony under the Public Health Code and can result in legal proceedings as well as disciplinary actions.

What is the Board of Occupational Therapy?

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists is authorized by the state legislature to develop rules and regulations and monitor the profession so that public safety is protected. The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists is a legislative arm of the state and is not related to the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association, which is a voluntary professional organization.

The Board is composed of 5 occupational therapists and 4 public members, one of whom must be a physician under the licensure law.

Current OT Board members are: Chair: Gerry Conti, Diane K. Andert, William M. Sisco, Susan E. Robosan-Burt, and Barbara J. Hemphill.

Information about OT regulation and the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529_27545---,00.html

Can I have any input into the development of the rules and regulations?

Absolutely; the Board will be dealing with complicated issues and input is invaluable. It is expected that full development of the rules and regulations will take up to two years. Feel free to contact any of the above members of the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists.  Contact information for Gerry Conti, Chair, is gconti@wayne.edu or 313-993-9932.