Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist 1. Qualifications – An occupational therapist must be licensed by the State of Mississippi. 2. Responsibilities – The occupational therapist shall assist the physician in evaluating the patient’s level of functioning by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures including, but not limited to, the following: a. Provide occupational therapy in accordance with a physician’s orders and the POC; b. Guide the patient in his/her use of therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for the purpose of improving function, in a manner consistent with accepted standards of practice; c. Observe, record, and report to the physician and/or interdisciplinary group the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition; d. Instruct and inform other health team personnel, assist in the formation of the POC; including, when appropriate hospice aides and family members in certain phases of occupational therapy in which they may work with the patient; e. Document each visit made to the patient and incorporate notes into the clinical record within one week of the visit; f. Participate in IDT conference as needed with hospice staff; and g. Prepare written discharge summary when applicable, with a copy retained in patient’s clinical record. 3. Supervision of an Occupational Therapy Assistant a. The occupational therapist shall conduct the initial assessment and establish the goals and treatment plan before the licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant may treat the patients on site without the physical presence of the occupational therapist. b. The occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant must schedule joint visits at least once every two weeks or every four to six treatment sessions. c. The occupational therapist must review and countersign all progress notes written by the licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant. d. The supervising occupational therapist is responsible for assessing the competency and experience of the occupational therapy assistant;