§ 37:3003 — Definitions

Louisiana § 37:3003

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 37: Professions and Occupations

Text

§3003. Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following words have the meanings hereinafter ascribed
to each:
(1) "Association" means the Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
(LOTA).
(2) "Board" means the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners established in
R.S. 37:1263.
(3) "Occupational therapist" means a person who is certified as an occupational
therapist, registered (OTR) by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
(AOTA), and licensed to practice occupational therapy, as defined in this Chapter, and whose
license is in good standing.
(4)(a) "Occupational therapy" means the application of any activity in which one
engages for the purposes of evaluation, interpretation, treatment planning, and treatment of
problems interfering with functional performance in persons impaired by physical illness or
injury, emotional disorders, congenital or developmental disabilities, or the aging process,
in order to achieve optimum functioning and prevention and health maintenance. The
occupational therapist may enter a case for the purposes of providing consultation and
indirect services and evaluating an individual for the need of services. Prevention, wellness,
and education-related services shall not require a referral; however, in workers'
compensation injuries, preauthorization shall be required by the employer or workers'
compensation insurer or provider. Implementation of direct occupational therapy to
individuals for their specific medical condition or conditions shall be based on a referral or
order from a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, dentist,
podiatrist, or optometrist licensed to practice. Practice shall be in accordance with published
standards of practice established by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.,
and the essentials of accreditation established by the agencies recognized to accredit specific
facilities and programs.
(b) Specific occupational therapy services include, but are not limited to activities
of daily living (ADL); the design, fabrication, and application of prescribed temporary
splints; sensorimotor activities; the use of specifically designed crafts; guidance in the
selection and use of adaptive equipment; therapeutic activities to enhance functional
performance; prevocational evaluation and training and consultation concerning the
adaptation of physical environments for persons with disabilities. These services are
provided to individuals or groups through medical, health, educational, and social systems.
(c) "Occupational therapy" shall not include the administration of massages by
employees of the Hot Wells Rehabilitation Center.
(5) "Occupational therapy assistant" means a person who is certified as a certified
occupational therapy assistant (COTA) by the American Occupational Therapy Association,
Inc. (AOTA), and is licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the
supervision of, and in activity programs with the consultation of, an occupational therapist
licensed under this Act.
(6) "Person" means any individual, partnership, unincorporated association, or
corporate body, except that only an individual may be licensed under this Chapter.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 1979, No. 566, §1. Acts 1988, No. 326, §2, eff. July 7, 1988; Acts 2001, No. 599, §1; Acts 2003, No. 839, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2014, No. 811, §19, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2019, No. 276, §1; Acts 2022, No. 271, §2; Acts 2023, No. 263, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.