Action | Licensure of occupational therapy assistants |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/7/2009 |
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on proposed legislation 18VAC-85-110. I am happy the state has passed licensure for COTAs. I am concerned about Section D requiring all notes to be co-signed by an OTR/L. I am in support that COTA/Ls and OTR/Ls need to be in communication to provide the best patient care possible. I feel its appropriate requiring co-signature when a COTA/L assists with information on an evaluation, re-evaluation and at discharge. I feel it places an unnecessary burden on the OTR/L that supervises and the agency that hires COTA/Ls to require every note to be co-signed. COTA/Ls have successfully completed a degree program and have passed a national exam qualifying them for this position. The state also mandated letters of recommendations when applying for licenses. COTA/Ls are professionals and should be held to the same high standards that LPTAs are held. By placing more stringent regulations won't increase good patient care but decreases the time OTR/Ls have to provide for patient care. If passes as is, this regulation could jepardize jobs and careers for COTA/Ls.