17-88-102. Definitions.

17-88-102. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) “Occupational therapist” means a person licensed to practice occupational therapy, whose license is in good standing; (2)(A) “Occupational therapy” means the evaluation and treatment of individuals whose ability to cope with the tasks of living is threatened or impaired by developmental deficits, the aging process, poverty or cultural differences, environmental or sensory deprivation, physical injury or illness, or psychological and social disability. (B) The treatment utilizes task-oriented activities to prevent or correct physical or emotional deficits or to minimize the disabling effect of these deficits in the life of the individual so that he or she might perform tasks normally performed at his or her stage of development. (C) Specific occupational therapy techniques include, but are not limited to: (i) Instruction in activities of daily living, design, fabrication, application, recommendation, and instruction in the use of selected orthotic or prosthetic devices and other adaptive equipment; (ii) Perceptual-motor and sensory integrative activities; (iii) The use of specifically designed crafts; (iv) Exercises to enhance functional performance; and (v) Prevocational evaluation and treatment. (D) The techniques are applied in the treatment of individual patients or clients, in groups, or through social systems; (3) “Occupational therapy aide” or “worker” means a person who aids a licensed occupational therapist in the practice of occupational therapy, whose activities require an understanding of occupational therapy but do not require professional or advanced training in the basic anatomical, biological, psychological, and social sciences involved in the practice of occupational therapy; (4) “Occupational therapy assistant” means a person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the frequent and regular supervision by or with consultation with an occupational therapist, whose license is in good standing. The definition of “frequent” and “regular” will be established by the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee; and (5) “Person” means any individual, partnership, unincorporated organization, or corporate body, except that only an individual may be licensed under this chapter.