Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapists [18 VAC 85 ‑ 80]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description Establishes qualifications for licensure, requirements for renewal and standards of practice for occupational therapists
State Authority Chapter 29 of Title 54.1
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1) Achieve a high level of satisfaction for application and renewal processes for all licensed practitioners.

2) Review regulations to ensure consistency and application to the current practice of occupational therapy.
Meetings See all meetings (31) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Erin Barrett  / Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Address: Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)750-3912    FAX: (804)915-0382    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Licensure by endorsement for occupational therapy
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. Becomes effective on 12/03/2025.
Expansion of options for reinstatement of lapsed occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant license Fast-Track Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (12/15/2025).

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Elimination of active practice requirement for renewal Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/05/2025.
Implementation of the OT Compact Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/22/2024.
Implementation of 2022 Periodic Review for Chapter 80 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/08/2025.
Handling fee Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2020.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/02/2019.
Electronic renewal notices Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/22/2019.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/27/2017.
Elimination of CE form and change in title of regulation Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/14/2017.
Conform CE requirements to Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/04/2017.
CE credit for volunteer practice Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/09/2017.
Practice by graduate pending examination
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/27/2014.
One-time reduction in renewal fees
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/25/2013.
Revisions to scope of practice
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/10/2012.
Licensure of occupational therapy assistants Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/03/2010.
Change of address
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/19/2009.
Registration for restricted volunteer practice
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/03/2008.
Requirements for a restricted volunteer license Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2008.
Correction of Code cites
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/18/2007.
Change in fee for returned checks
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/08/2006.
Standards of practice Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/19/2005.
Certification for occupational therapy assistants Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/24/2005.
Voluntary practice by out-of-state practitioners Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/18/2003.
Periodic review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/23/2002.
inactive licensure and continuing competency requirements Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/06/2001.
Increase in licensee fees Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/12/2000.
Licensure requirements Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/19/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
NBCOT certification as option for CE Proposed Stage withdrawn on 06/28/2017 before the Secretary's office completed its review.
Elimination of CE form and change in title of chapter Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 07/05/2017 prior to submitting for AG review.
Forms revision
Final Stage withdrawn on 12/16/2011 before submission to the Registrar.
Fee increase NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 06/23/2006 after the comment period had ended.
Correction of Code cite
Final Stage withdrawn on 08/22/2007 prior to submitting for AG review.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/6/2022 Agency Completed Amend
4/30/2018 Agency Completed Retain As Is
2/22/2013 Agency Completed Retain As Is
10/12/2000 Agency Completed Amend