Overview of the Board
The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy was Established by the 1984 session of the N. C. General Assembly. The first Board meeting was held in September 1985 and licenses began being issued in 1986.
Declaration of Purpose:
"The North Carolina Occupational Therapy Act is
enacted to safeguard the public health, safety and
welfare, to protect the public from being harmed by
unqualified persons, to assure the highest degree of
professional services and conduct on the part of
occupational therapists and occupational therapy
assistants, to provide for the establishment of
licensure requirements, and to insure the availability
of occupational therapy services of high quality to
persons in need of such services. It is the
purpose of this Article to provide for the regulation of
persons offering occupational therapy services to the
public.
Board Composition:
Members are appointed by the Governor for four year staggered terms. Members are chosen to represent different practice settings and experience. There are:
- Three (3) OT/Ls
- One (1) OTA/L
- One (1) Public Member
- One (1) Medical Doctor
- One (1) Counselor, Educator or School-Based Professional Member
The Board has an administrative staff that consists of a Legal Advisor, an Administrator and other Administrative Assistants.
Board Meetings:
The Board meets at least 6 times a year. The meetings are normally held on the 3rd Monday every other month. The meeting schedule is posted in the Directory of Licensed Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina, at the Secretary of State's Website under Board Notices and on this site under Meetings. The schedule is subject to change with proper notification made to the Secretary of State. The meetings are open to the public.
Available Resources:
- The NC Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Rules of the Board
- Supervision of Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Supervision of Unlicensed Personnel
- Qualified Activities for Maintaining Continuing Competence