OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
2024 Legislative Update
During the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 1183, An Act to authorize the state’s participation in the interstate compact on occupational therapy licensure, moved through the legislative process and became law. A requirement of participating in this compact is the submission of fingerprints for considering the criminal history records of applicants.
Senate Bill 40, An Act to establish a criminal background check requirement for licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant was brought to the 2024 legislative session and subsequently signed into law effective July 1, 2024.
What does this mean for you?
This bill now requires all new occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants wishing to pursue initial licensure in South Dakota to undergo fingerprinting procedures before obtaining a license. Fingerprint packets and instructions will be provided by the BMOE office and sent to the applicants.
No action is needed from currently licensed occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.
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Please note that an application fee only extends an initial license to the next renewal date. Initial licenses do vary in duration. It is the responsibility of all licensees to renew their license before expiration. Failure to renew shall result in automatic forfeiture or suspension of the license by statute. Licenses which have forfeited are not automatically entitled to renew.
How do I start the application process for licensure?
CEU Requirements
To qualify for renewal of a license upon its expiration as prescribed in SDCL 36-31-11, an applicant for renewal must complete 12 continuing competency points in a one-year period in professional education activities updating competency in occupational therapy and practice.
PAMS
If your OT educational program included Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs), nothing further is needed to utilize PAMs in your South Dakota practice. If PAMs was not part of your educational program, you will need to request approval to utilize PAMs in your South Dakota practice. To request the PAMs Certification Application, please contact the Board office at sdbmoe@state.sd.us.
