(a) Each licensee renewing a license under Section 2570.10 of the Code shall submit evidence of meeting continuing competency requirements by having completed 24 professional development units (PDUs) during the preceding renewal period, or in the case of a license delinquently renewed, within the two years immediately preceding the renewal, acquired through participation in professional development activities.
(1) One hour of participation in a professional development activity qualifies for one PDU;
(2) One academic credit equals 10 PDUs;
(3) One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals 10 PDUs.
(b) Topics and subject matter shall be pertinent to the practice of occupational therapy and course material must have a relevance or direct application to a consumer of occupational therapy services. Except as provided in subsection (c), professional development activities acceptable to the board include programs or activities sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Occupational Therapy Association of California; post-professional coursework completed through any approved or accredited educational institution; or otherwise meet all of the following criteria:
(1) The program or activity contributes directly to professional knowledge, skill, and ability; and
(2) The program or activity must be objectively measurable in terms of the hours involved.
(c) PDUs may also be obtained through any or a combination of the following:
(1) Involvement in structured special interest or study groups with a minimum of three participants. Three hours of participation equals one PDU, with a maximum of six PDUs credited per renewal period.
(2) Structured mentoring with an individual skilled in a particular area. For each 20 hours of being mentored, the practitioner will receive three PDUs, with a maximum of six PDUs credited per renewal period.
(3) Structured mentoring of a colleague to improve his/her skills. Twenty hours of mentoring equals three PDUs, with a maximum of six PDUs credited per renewal period.
(4) Supervising the fieldwork of Level I and Level II occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant students shall be credited as follows:
(A) Supervising the fieldwork of a Level I student. For each student supervised the practitioner will receive one PDU.
(B) Supervising the fieldwork of a Level II student. For each 40 hours of supervision the practitioner will receive one PDU.
(C) A maximum of 12 PDUs of credit for supervising Level II and/or Level I students shall be allowed per renewal period.
(D) The supervision shall not be the primary responsibility of the licensee's employment.
(E) Credit for PDUs shall only be earned for the dates of supervision occurring during the renewal period.
(F) Fieldwork supervision hours of a single student may be divided between licensees. Total weekly hours claimed by more than one licensee sharing supervision of a single student shall not exceed 40 hours per week.
(5) Publication of an article in a non-peer reviewed publication. Each article equals five PDUs, with a maximum of 10 PDUs credited per renewal period.
(6) Publication of an article in a peer-reviewed professional publication. Each article equals 10 PDUs, with a maximum of 10 PDUs credited per renewal period.
(7) Publication of chapter(s) in occupational therapy or related professional textbook. Each chapter equals 10 PDUs, with a maximum of 10 PDUs credited per renewal period.
(8) Making professional presentations at workshops, seminars, and conferences. For each hour presenting, the practitioner will receive two PDUs, with a maximum of six PDUs credited per renewal period.
(9) Attending a meeting of the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Each meeting attended equals two PDUs, with a maximum of six PDUs credited per renewal period.
(10) Attending board outreach activities. Each presentation attended equals two PDUs, with a maximum of four PDUs credited per renewal period.
(d) Partial credit will not be given for the professional development activities listed in subsection (c) and a maximum of 12 PDUs may be credited for the activities listed in subsection (c).
(e) This section shall not apply to the first license renewal following issuance of the initial license.
(f) Of the total number of PDUs required for each renewal period, a minimum of one half of the units must be directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services, which may include: models, theories, or frameworks that relate to client/patient care in preventing or minimizing impairment, enabling function within the person/environment or community context. Other activities may include, but are not limited to, occupation based theory assessment/interview techniques, intervention strategies, and community/environment as related to one's practice.
(g) Applicants who have not been actively engaged in the practice of occupational therapy within the past five years completing continuing competency pursuant to section 2570.14(a) of the Code to qualify for licensure shall submit evidence of meeting the continuing competency requirements by having completed, during the two year period immediately preceding the date the application was received, 40 PDUs that meet the requirements of subsection (b). The 40 PDUs shall include:
(1) 37 PDUs directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services, which may include the scope of practice for occupational therapy practitioners or the occupational therapy practice framework;
(2) Three PDUs related to ethical standards of practice in occupational therapy.
Credits
Note: Authority cited: Sections 2570.10 and 2570.20, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 2570.10, Business and Professions Code.
