South Carolina § 40-36-250 - Licensure without examination.

§ 40-36-250. Licensure without examination.

The board may license without examination a person who holds a current and valid license as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant in another state if:

(1) the licensure requirements for that state are at least substantially equivalent to the licensing standards required in this chapter;

(2) the applicant currently is certified by and in good standing with NBCOT or other board-approved certification program;

(3) the applicant has submitted all applicable fees;

(4) in addition to other requirements established by law and for the purpose of determining an applicant's eligibility for a compact privilege, the department shall require a national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The results of this criminal records check must be reported to the department. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is authorized to retain the fingerprints for certification purposes and for notification of the department regarding criminal charges. Costs of conducting a criminal history background check must be borne by the applicant. The department shall keep information received pursuant to this section confidential, except that information relied upon in denying licensure may be disclosed as may be necessary to support the administrative action. The results of this criminal records check must not be shared outside the department.

HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 356, SECTION 1; 2022 Act No. 158 (H.3599), SECTION 3, eff May 13, 2022.

Effect of Amendment

2022 Act No. 158, SECTION 3, added (4).