Continued Competence

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-204, the Board is authorized to establish requirements for assessing continued competence of licenses. On January 1, 2006, the Board shall begin to notify applicants for licensure renewal of the continued competence requirements as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-204(d). Effective January 1, 2022, the Board shall require each licensed occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant to participate in a minimum number of activities to promote continued competence during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month. The renewal cycle will begin the first day of the licensee’s birthday month and continue to the last day of the month preceding the licensee’s birthday month. (1) The requirements for continued competence activities are defined as planned learning experiences that occur for occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants. Content of the experiences must relate to a licensee’s current or anticipated roles and responsibilities in occupational therapy. Qualified learning experiences may include theoretical or practical content related to the practice of occupational therapy; research; management; or the development, administration, supervision, and teaching of clinical practice or service delivery programs in occupational therapy. The purpose of this GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY requirement is to assist in assuring safe and effective practices in the provision of occupational therapy services to the citizens of Tennessee. (2) For applicants approved for initial licensure by examination, successfully completing the requirements of Rules 1150-02-.04, .05, and .08, as applicable, shall be considered proof of sufficient competence to constitute compliance with this rule for the initial period of licensure. The use of physical agent modalities by any licensee requires additional certification pursuant to Rule 1150-02-.04. (3) Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants are required to complete twenty-four (24) continued competence credits during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month. (a) A maximum of four (4) continued competence credits during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month that are in excess of the twenty-four (24) credit requirement may be used to partially complete the requirement for the subsequent renewal period. (b) The subjects of any continued competence credits used to partially complete the requirement for the subsequent twenty-four (24) month period shall not pertain to: 1. The AOTA Code of Ethics; or 2. The occupational therapy portions of T.C.A. §§ 63-13-101, et seq., the Tennessee Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act; or 3. Chapter 1150-02, General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy. (4) Twelve (12) of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits must be directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services. (5) One (1) hour of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits shall pertain to the AOTA Code of Ethics or other ethics related continued competence activities which have implications for the practice of occupational therapy. (6) One (1) hour of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits shall pertain to the occupational therapy portions of T.C.A. §§ 63-13-101, et seq., the Tennessee Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act, and shall pertain to Chapter 1150-02, General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy. (7) Suicide Prevention Training required under the “Kenneth and Madge Tullis, MD Suicide Prevention Training Act”: (a) Current Tennessee Licensees - Beginning January 1, 2020, all persons who hold an active license as an occupational therapist must complete a minimum two (2) hour training program by a Board-approved provider relative to suicide prevention at least once every four (4) years. (b) New Tennessee Licensees - An occupational therapist applying for initial licensure in the State of Tennessee on or after January 1, 2020 is not required to complete a training program on suicide prevention for two (2) years after the date of initial licensure if the applicant can demonstrate successful completion of a two (2) hour training program by a Board-approved provider that was completed no more than two (2) years prior to the application for initial licensure. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (c) Hours Earned - The continuing education hours earned through the training program in Part (a) or Part (b) of this subparagraph count toward meeting the continuing education requirements listed in this rule. (8) Ten (10) hours of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits may pertain to the licensee’s current or anticipated professional role or may be directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services. (9) Continued competence credits are awarded pursuant to the Activity Table in paragraph (12). (10) Approved Continued Competence Activity Providers (a) American Medical Association (AMA) (b) American Nurses Association (ANA) (c) American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and AOTA approved providers (d) American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (e) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) (f) International Association of Continuing Education (IACET) (g) National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NCBOT) (h) Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (i) State occupational therapy associations (j) State occupational therapy regulatory agencies (k) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (l) Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA) and TNOTA approved providers (m) Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and TSPN approved providers (11) The Board does not pre-approve continued competence activities. It is the responsibility of the licensed occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant to use his/her professional judgment in determining whether or not the activities offered by entities other than those specifically approved by the Board are applicable and appropriate to his/her professional development and meet the standards specified in these rules. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (12) Activity Table (Per Twenty-Four (24) Month Cycle) Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (a) Volunteer Services to organizations, populations, individuals, that advance the reliance on the use of one’s OT skills and experiences. This excludes holding any elected or appointed offices. 5 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Verification letter from organizations. Describe outcomes of volunteer service provided. (See guidelines on the Board’s web page at Tennessee.gov/heal th) (b) Attending workshops, seminars, lectures, professional conferences offered by approved providers, as listed in 1150-02-.12(10). 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 24 Credits Certificates of attendance or letter from sponsor of course. (c) Attending workshops, seminars, lectures, professional conferences by other providers. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Certificates of attendance or letter from sponsor. (d) Attending employer-provided continuing education. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Attendance records or certificates with name, date of course. (Attending OSHA, CPR & Safety Courses required for maintaining employment are not acceptable.) (e) Attaining an OT specialty or board certification (i.e., Certified Hand Therapist.) 10 Credits 20 Credits Award of certification within the renewal cycle. (f) Making professional presentations at state, national or international workshops, seminars, and conferences. 1 Hour Equals 2 Credits 20 Credits Copy of presentation, or program listing. (g) Panel and/or poster presentations for state, national, or international workshops, seminars, and conferences. 1 Presentation Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Copy of presentation, or program listing. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (h) Publication of an OT article in non-peer-reviewed publication (e.g., OT Practice, SIS Quarterly, Advance, Community Newsletters, etc.) 1 Article Equals 5 Credits 20 Credits Copy of publication. (i) Publication of article in peer- reviewed professional publication (e.g., journals, book chapter, research paper) 1 Article Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Copy of publication. (j) Publication of chapter(s) in occupational therapy or related professional textbook. 1 Chapter Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Copy of text and original letter from editor. (k) Mentoring a licensed OT colleague to improve the skills of the protégé. (Mentor must be currently licensed). 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives, analysis of protégé performance. (See guidelines) (l) Mentoring other professionals in good standing to improve the skills of the protégé. (Mentor must be currently licensed.) 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives, analysis of protégé performance. (See guidelines) (m) Mentoring with other professionals in good standing to improve the skills of the protégé. (Protégé must be currently licensed.) 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives established in collaboration with the mentor and self- analysis of performance. (See guidelines) (n) Reflective occupational therapy practice in collaboration with an advanced licensed OT colleague to improve one’s skill level. 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Verification of skills obtained. Evaluation experience. Analysis of learning. (See guidelines) (o) Guest lecturer, teaching OT related academic course per semester (must not be one’s primary role). For one time lecture use presentation value, see subparagraph (f). 1 College Credit Hour Equals 6 Credits 20 Credits Date, lecture or academic course title, name of institution, original letter from instructor regarding time spent in classroom, and course/lecture goals and objectives. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (p) Independent reading peer- reviewed, role-related professional articles/chapters in textbook, and writing a report describing the implications for improving skills in one’s specific role. Current copyright on textbook edition, which should not exceed 5 years at time of licensure renewal. Textbooks required to be read for academic courses or audit courses are not allowed. 5 Articles and/or Chapters Equal 1 Credit 12 Credits Annotated bibliography and analysis of how articles impacted improving skills in one’s role. (See guidelines) (q) Providing professional in- service training and/or instruction for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and related professionals. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits In-Service training attendance records, goals, and objectives with verification letter from supervisor. (r) Making presentations for local organizations/associations/ groups on OT related topic. (e.g., energy conservation, back care and prevention of injury.) 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Date and location of presentation, copy of presentation or program listing; organization’s contact person. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (s) 1. Level I fieldwork direct supervision OT or OTA (Not one’s primary employment role.) 2. Level II fieldwork direct supervision OT or OTA (Not one’s primary employment role.) 1 Credit per Student Supervised 1 Credit per each week of supervision, per student supervised 12 Credits (A licensee may not receive more than 12 Credits for fieldwork supervision total.) 12 Credits (A licensee may not receive more than 12 Credits for fieldwork supervision total.) Documentation required, name of student(s), letter of verification from school, dates of fieldwork. Co- supervision is acceptable; maintain dates & times when acting as primary student supervisor. Apply appropriate credits based on time spent supervising. Documentation required, name of student(s), letter of verification from school, dates of fieldwork. Co- supervision is acceptable; maintain dates & times when acting as primary student supervisor. Apply appropriate credits based on time spent supervising. (t) Professional manuscript review (editing) for journals or textbooks. 5 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Letter from publishing organization, verifying time spent. (u) Formal academic coursework 1 Credit Hour per Semester Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Official transcript from an accredited educational institution. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (v) Auditing formal academic coursework. 15 Clock Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Original letter from instructor regarding time in class or labs at accredited schools. Report by OT/OTA on learning objectives accomplished. (w) Professional study group/online study group designed to advance knowledge through active participation. 3 Hours Equals 1 Credit 20 Credits Group attendance records; study group goals; analysis of goal attainment and learning. (See guidelines) (x) Outcomes of self-assessment and professional development plan. 2 Credits for Self- Assessment and Professional Development Plan 2 Credits Acceptable documents include a completed formal self-assessment and professional development plan describing how goals were met and how they impacted competence and skills. (y) Extensive scholarly research activities, or extensive outcome studies (defined as research associated with, e.g., grants, post graduate studies, peer reviewed journals) 10 Credits 20 Credits Grant funding number, abstract- executive summary and/or copies of the completed research/studies. (z) Collaborative or Clinical Research activities 5 Credits Credits Executive summary and/or copies of the completed research studies or letter of verification from senior researcher or supervisor. (aa) Fellowship Training in specific area. 10 Credits (Minimum 12 Weeks) 12 Credits Certificate awarded from sponsoring organization to include dates and learning objectives. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (bb) Independent learning/study (e.g., CE articles, video, audio, and/or asynchronous online courses.) 2 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits CEUs, certificate of completion and # of contact hours awarded. (cc) Synchronous online learning offered by approved providers, as listed in 1150-02-.12(10). 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 16 Credits CEUs, certificate of completion and # of contact hours awarded. (dd) External self-study series. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 20 Credits Certificate of completion. (ee) Development of instructional materials using alternative media such as: video, audio and/or software programs to advance professional skills of others (not for proprietary use). 5 Credits 12 Credits Program description and media/software materials available if requested during validation process. (13) Documentation of compliance. (a) Each licensee must timely submit proof of successful completion of all continued competence requirements through the Board’s approved continuing education tracking system. (b) Each licensee must retain documentation of completion of all continued competence requirements of this rule for a period of five (5) years from when the requirements were completed. This documentation must be produced for inspection and verification, if requested in writing by the Board during its verification process. (c) The licensee must, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a request from the Board, provide evidence of continued competence activities. (d) Any licensee who fails to complete the continued competence activities or who falsely certifies completion of continued competence activities may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-108, 63-13-209, and 63-13-210. (14) Reinstatement/Reactivation of an Expired, Retired or Inactive License. (a) Expired, retired, or inactive for three (3) years or less - An individual whose license has expired, or has been retired or inactive for three (3) years or less shall submit the appropriate application and documentation of continued competence, as provided in paragraph (13), for the two (2) year period that precedes the reinstatement/reactivation year. (b) Expired or retired more than three (3) years. 1. An individual whose license has expired or has been retired for more than three (3) years shall submit the appropriate application and documentation of GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHAPTER 1150-02 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY continued competence, as provided in paragraph (13), for the two (2) year period that precedes the reinstatement/reactivation year; and 2. The Board may, at its discretion, require additional education, supervised clinical practice, or successful passage of examinations. (15) The Board, in cases of documented illness, disability, or other undue hardship, may waive the continued competence requirements and/or extend the deadline to complete continued competence requirements. To be considered for a waiver of continued competence requirements, or for an extension of the deadline to complete the continued competence requirements, a licensee must request such in writing with supporting documentation before the end of the two (2) year period in which the continued competence requirements were not met.