W. Va. Code R. § 13-5-4 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Competency Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants in the use of Physical Agent Modalities

4.1. To promote the safe provision of occupational therapy, this section sets forth the requirements which must be met before an occupational therapy assistant may apply physical agent modalities.

4.2. Occupational therapy assistants may apply superficial thermal and mechanical modalities including, but not limited to, hot packs, cold packs, paraffin, fluidotherapy, and icing, under the general supervision of an occupational therapist, consistent with ACOTE standards for an educational program for occupational therapy assistants.

4.3. Any occupational therapy assistant who wishes to utilize advanced practice occupational therapy techniques involving deep thermal or electrical modalities under the general supervision of an occupational therapist, must maintain documented evidence of possessing the theoretical background and technical skills for safe and competent use.

4.4. The occupational therapy assistant is responsible for proving competency in the use of specific modalities and techniques.

4.5. Competency may be displayed through documented educational programs which include a method of evaluation and testing the knowledge of the occupational therapy assistant, including, but not limited to:

4.5.1. Accredited educational programs;

4.5.2. Specific certification as endorsed by the American Occupational Therapy Association or its successor, or as approved by the WVBOT;

4.5.3. Successful completion of an appropriate continuing education course which includes theory, indications, contra-indications and applications.

4.6. Training shall be completed prior to the use of the specific modality. Documentation of training shall be made available to the Board upon request.

4.6.1. The Board shall conduct random audits of occupational therapy assistants to substantiate competency in physical agent modalities.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 13-5-4