Colorado § 12-270-107 - Licensure of occupational therapists - qualifications - application - rules.

§ 12-270-107. Licensure of occupational therapists - qualifications - application - rules.

(1) Educational and experiential requirements. Every applicant for licensure as an occupational therapist must have:

(a) Successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapists that is offered by an institution of higher education and accredited by a national, regional, or state agency recognized by the United States secretary of education, or another program accredited thereby and approved by the director; and

(b) Successfully completed a minimum period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the recognized educational institution where the applicant met the academic requirements described in subsection (1)(a) of this section. The minimum period of supervised fieldwork experience for an occupational therapist must:

(I) Meet the accreditation standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, or any successor organization; or

(II) Satisfy the accreditation standards for minimum fieldwork requirements at the time of graduation.

(2) Examination. Each applicant must pass a nationally recognized examination, approved by the director, that measures the minimum level of competence necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.

(3) Application. After an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the applicant may apply for licensure upon payment of a fee in an amount determined by the director. The director shall designate the form and manner of the application.

(4) Licensure. After an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsections (1) to (3) of this section, the director shall issue a license to the applicant; except that the director may deny a license if the applicant has committed any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-270-114.

(5) Licensure by endorsement. An applicant may obtain licensure by endorsement if the applicant satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.

(6) License renewal. Licenses issued pursuant to this section are subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and (2). Any person whose license expires is subject to the penalties provided in this article 270 and section 12-20-202 (1).

Source: L. 2021: Entire article RC&RE, (SB 21-003), ch. 4, p. 18, § 1, effective January 21.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-270-107 as it existed prior to 2020.