N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44K-5.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:44K-5.3 - Delegation of occupational therapy services

(a) A licensed occupational therapist may delegate selected occupational therapy services to licensed occupational therapy assistants, temporary licensed occupational therapists, temporary licensed occupational therapy assistants and to occupational therapy students fulfilling the required fieldwork component of their educational training, provided the services are within the scope of practice of the individual to whom they are delegated.

(b) In delegating selected occupational therapy services, the licensed occupational therapist shall be responsible for exercising that degree of judgment and knowledge reasonably expected to assure that a proper delegation has been made. A licensed occupational therapist shall not delegate the performance of an occupational therapy service to persons who have not been adequately prepared by verified training and education. No task may be delegated which is within the scope of practice of the occupational therapist and requires:

1. The substantial knowledge and skill derived from completion of an occupational therapy education program and the specialized skill, judgment and knowledge of a licensed occupational therapist; and

2. An understanding of occupational therapy principles necessary to recognize and manage complications which may result in harm to the health and safety of the client.

(c) The licensed occupational therapist shall be responsible for the proper supervision of persons to whom delegation of occupational therapy services is made. Such supervision shall be close, routine, or general supervision. The degree of supervision exercised over such persons shall be determined by the licensed occupational therapist consistent with the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44K-6.3 and based on an evaluation of

1. The condition of the client;

2. The education, skill and training of the person to whom delegation is being made; and

3. The nature of the tasks and the activities being delegated.

(d) When occupational therapy services are delegated pursuant to the provisions of (a), (b) and (c) above, the supervising occupational therapist shall retain responsibility for all occupational therapy care of the client.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44K-5.3

Amended by 51 N.J.R. 769(b), effective 5/20/2019