Occ 100-500

CHAPTER Occ 100 ORGANIZATIONAL RULES

PART Occ 101 PURPOSE

Occ 101.01 Purpose. This chapter sets forth the organization and statutory responsibilities of the occupational therapy governing board and the manner of communication with the board.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 102 DEFINITIONS

Occ 102.01 "Board" means "board" as defined in RSA 326-C:1, I, namely, "the occupational therapy governing board established in RSA 328-F."

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 102.02 "Occupational therapist" means "occupational therapist" as defined in RSA 326-C:1, II, namely, "a person currently licensed to practice occupational therapy in the state of New Hampshire."

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 102.03 "Occupational therapy" means "occupational therapy" as defined in RSA 326-C:1, III, namely " the therapeutic use of purposeful and meaningful occupations or goal-directed activities to evaluate and treat individuals who have a disease or disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction which interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles, and to promote health and wellness.

(a) Occupational therapy intervention may include:

(1) Remediation or restoration of performance abilities that are limited due to impairment in biological, physiological, psychological, or neurological processes.

(2) Adaptation of task, process, or the environment, or the teaching of compensatory techniques, in order to enhance performance.

(3) Disability prevention methods and techniques which facilitate the development or safe application of performance skills.

(4) Health promotion strategies and practices which enhance performance abilities.

(b) Occupational therapy services include, but are not limited to:

(1) Work or productive activities, including instrumental activities of daily living, and play and leisure activities.

(2) Evaluating, developing, remediating, or restoring sensorimotor, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.

(3) Designing, fabricating, applying, or training in the use of assistive technology or orthotic devices, and training in the use of prosthetic devices.

(4) Adaptation of environments and processes, including the application of ergonomic principles, to enhance performance and safety in daily life roles.

(5) Application of physical agent modalities as an adjunct to, or in preparation for, engagement in purposeful activities and occupations.

(6) Evaluating and providing intervention in collaboration with the client, family, caregiver, or others.

(7) Educating the client, family, caregiver, or others in carrying out appropriate non-skilled interventions.

(8) Consulting with groups, programs, organizations, or communities to provide population-based services.”

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 102.04 "Occupational therapy assistant (OTA)" means "occupational therapy assistant" as defined in RSA 326-C:1, IV, namely, "a person currently licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy, under the supervision of an occupational therapist, in the state of New Hampshire."

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 103 DESCRIPTION OF THE BOARD AND BOARD MEETINGS

Occ 103.01 Composition of the Board. The board consists of 5 members appointed as specified in RSA 328-F:4. The members shall include 2 licensed occupational therapists, one occupational therapy assistant, one physician, and one public member.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.02 Relationship of the Board to the Office of Licensed Allied Health Professionals. Pursuant to RSA 328-F:3, II, the chairperson of the board or the appointee of the chairperson is a member of the board of directors of the Office of Licensed Allied Health Professionals. The chairperson is elected by the board every January.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.03 Responsibilities of the Board. The board's responsibilities include:

(a) The initial licensing of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants;

(b) The renewal and reinstatement licensing of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants;

(d) The investigation of possible professional misconduct by licensees and applicants for licensure; and

(e) Disciplinary proceedings and the imposition of sanctions for professional misconduct by licensees.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.04 Board Meetings and Quorum.

(a) Pursuant to RSA 328-F:8 the board shall meet monthly or more often as its business requires.

(b) A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.05 Attendance at Meetings By Members of the Public. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, II, members of the public may attend and record board meetings, except for those parts of the meetings which are nonpublic sessions as defined in RSA 91-A:3.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.06 Notice of Meetings.

(a) Notice of the time and place of board meetings, excluding emergency meetings, shall be given in accordance with RSA 91-A:2, II.

(b) Information about the time and place of board meetings shall also be available by telephone at the number stated in Occ 104.01 (b) and by TTY/TDD through the number stated in Occ 104.01 (c).

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 103.07 Minutes of Board Meetings.

(a) Minutes shall be kept of board meetings and of official actions taken by the board.

(b) Such minutes shall:

(1) Record the members participating in each vote; and

(2) Separately record the position of members who dissent, abstain or concur.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 104 PUBLIC INFORMATION

Occ 104.01 Office Location and Mailing Address, Telephone Number, Number for TTY/TDD Users and E-Address.

(a) The board's office location and mailing address is:

Occupational Therapy Governing Board

c/o Office of Licensed Allied Health Professionals

2 Industrial Park Drive

Concord, New Hampshire 03301

(b) The board's telephone number is (603) 271-8389 and its fax number is (603)271-6702.

(d) The board's e-address is tina.kelley@NH.gov.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 104.02 Communication with the Board.

(a) Persons wishing to correspond with the board or make submissions to it may:

(1) Send a letter;

(2) Send the correspondence or submission by fax, provided that it is printed or typed and that the board's rules do not require it to be sent by mail; or

(3) Send the correspondence or submission by e-mail, provided that the board's rules do not require it to be sent by mail.

(b) Persons seeking information from the board may do so by:

(1) Mail, fax or e-mail as set forth in (a) above;

(2) Telephoning the board; or

(3) Accessing the board as described in Occ 104.01(c).

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

Occ 104.03 Public Access to Records.

(a) Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4 members of the public may inspect and copy those records of the board, including meeting minutes, which are public records and not exempt from disclosure:

(1) By RSA 91-A:5;

(2) As investigatory records identified in RSA 329:18 or RSA 328-F:24, II; or

(3) By other applicable federal or state law.

(b) Public records shall be inspected and copied during regular business hours at the office of the board at the location stated in Occ 104.01 (a).

(c) Persons desiring copies of public records shall reasonably describe the information being sought and pay the actual cost of the copies.

(d) If records are requested which contain both public information and information exempt from disclosure pursuant to (a) above, the board shall delete the information exempt from disclosure and provide the remaining information.

Source. #8272, eff 1-26-05

CHAPTER Occ 200 PROCEDURAL RULES

PART Occ 201 DEFINITIONS

Occ 201.01 Definitions.

(a) “Adjudicative proceeding” means “adjudicative proceeding” as defined in RSA 541-A: 1, I., namely “the procedure to be followed in contested cases, as set forth in RSA 541-A:31 through RSA 541-A: 36.”

(b) “Appearance" means a written notification to the board that a party, an intervenor or the representative of a party or intervenor intends to actively participate in an adjudicative proceeding.

(c) “Board” means “board” as defined in RSA 326-C:1, I, namely, “the occupational therapy governing board established in RSA 328-F.”

(d) "Contested case" means "contested case" as defined in RSA 541-A:1, IV, namely, "a proceeding in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are required by law to be determined by an agency after notice and an opportunity for hearing."

(e) “Declaratory ruling" means "declaratory ruling" as defined in RSA 541-A:1, V, namely, "an agency ruling as to the specific applicability of any statutory provision or of any rule or order of the agency.”

(f) "Intervenor" means a person without the status of a party but participating in an adjudicative proceeding to the extent permitted by the presiding officer acting pursuant to RSA 541-A:32.

(g) "Motion" means a request to the presiding officer for an order or ruling directing some act to be done in favor of the proponent of the motion, including a statement of justification or reasons for the request.

(h) "Order" means "order" as defined in RSA 541-A:1, XI, namely, "the whole or part of an agency's final disposition of a matter, other than a rule, but does not include an agency's decision to initiate, postpone, investigate or process any matter, or to issue a complaint or citation."

(i) "Party" means "party" as defined by RSA 541-A:1, XII, namely, "each person or agency named or admitted as a party, or properly seeking and entitled as a right to be admitted as a party."

(j) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or public or private organization of any character other than the board.

(k) "Presiding officer" means presiding officer as defined in RSA 541-A:1, XIV, namely, "that individual to whom the agency has delegated the authority to preside over a proceeding, if any; otherwise it shall mean the head of the agency.”

(l) "Proof by a preponderance of the evidence" means a demonstration by admissible evidence that a fact or legal conclusion is more probably true than not.

(m) “Public comment hearing” means a proceeding held pursuant to RSA 541-A:11.

(n) "Record" means, in a contested case, the materials set forth in RSA 541-A:31, VI.

(o) “Rulemaking petition” means a petition made pursuant to RSA 541-A:4, I.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 202 PROCEDURES FOR THE RECEIPT OF MISCONDUCT COMPLAINTS AND THE CONDUCT OF DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

Occ 202.01 Procedures for the Receipt of Misconduct Complaints and the Conduct of Disciplinary Hearings. Pursuant to RSA 328-F:13, II, the procedures for the receipt of misconduct complaints and the conduct of disciplinary hearings shall be the procedures set forth in Ahp 203 through Ahp 213.

Source. #8274, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 203 CONSTRUCTION OF RULES; RIGHT TO A HEARING

Occ 203.01 Principles of Construction.

(a) The board shall resolve all disputes about matters which are:

(1) Within the jurisdiction of its statute;

(2) Non-criminal; and

(3) Not related to disciplinary matters.

(b) Occ 203.02 through Occ 212 shall be construed to secure the just, accurate and efficient resolution of all non-disciplinary disputes.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 203.02 Right to a Hearing. Any person having a non-disciplinary dispute with the board shall be entitled to a hearing of the dispute if:

(a) The legal rights, duties or privileges of that person will be determined in the course of deciding the outcome of the dispute; and

(b) Constitutional, statutory or case law requires the board to hold a hearing before determination of those rights, duties or privileges.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 204 CONDUCT OF HEARINGS BY PRESIDING OFFICER; WAIVER OF RULES

Occ 204.01 Presiding Officer.

(a) Hearings shall be conducted by a presiding officer designated by the board.

(b) The presiding officer shall as necessary:

(1) Regulate and control the course of the hearing;

(2) Facilitate settlement of the dispute that is the subject of the hearing;

(3) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(4) Request that the board issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents;

(5) Receive relevant evidence and exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence;

(6) Rule on procedural requests at the request of a party or intervenor or on the presiding officer's own motion;

(7) Question anyone who testifies to the extent required to make a full and fair record;

(8) Arrange for recording the hearing as specified in RSA 541-A:31, VII; and

(9) Take any other action consistent with applicable statutes, rules and case law necessary to conduct the hearing and complete the record in a fair and timely manner.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 204.02 Withdrawal of Presiding Officer.

(a) Upon his or her own initiative or upon the motion of any party or intervenor, the presiding officer shall withdraw from any adjudicative proceeding for good cause.

(b) Good cause shall exist if the presiding officer:

(1) Has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter, including but not limited to, a financial or family relationship with any party or intervenor;

(2) Has made statements or engaged in behavior which objectively demonstrates that he or she has prejudged the facts of the case; or

(3) Personally believes that he or she cannot fairly judge the facts of the case.

(c) Mere knowledge of the issues or acquaintance with any party, intervenor or witness shall not constitute good cause for withdrawal.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 204.03 Waiver or Suspension of Rules by Presiding Officer. The presiding officer, upon the motion of any party or intervenor, or on his or her own initiative, shall suspend or waive any requirement or limitation imposed by this chapter when the suspension or waiver:

(a) Appears to be lawful; and

(b) Is more likely to promote the just, accurate and efficient resolution of the pending dispute than would adherence to a particular rule or procedure.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 205 TIME PERIODS

Occ 205.01 Computation of Time.

(a) Unless otherwise specified, the unit of time for time periods referenced in this chapter shall be calendar days.

(b) Computation of any period of time referred to in this chapter shall begin with the day after the action which sets the time period in motion, and shall include the last day of the period so computed.

(c) If the last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, then the time period shall be extended to include the first business day following the Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 206 FILING, FORMAT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS

Occ 206.01 Date of Issuance or Filing.

(a) All written documents governed by this chapter shall be rebuttably presumed to have been issued on the date noted on the document.

(b) All written documents governed by this chapter shall be rebuttably presumed to have been filed with the board on the date of receipt, as evidenced by a date placed on the document by the board or its staff in the normal course of business.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 206.02 Format of Documents.

(a) All correspondence, pleadings, motions or other documents filed shall:

(1) Include the title and docket number of the case, if known;

(2) Be typewritten or clearly printed on durable paper 8 1/2 by 11 inches in size;

(3) Be signed by the proponent of the document, or, if the proponent appears by a representative, by the representative; and

(4) Include a statement certifying that a copy of the document has been delivered to all parties and intervenors in compliance with Occ 206.03.

(b) The signature of a party or intervenor or the representative of the party or the intervenor on a document filed with the board shall constitute certification that:

(1) The signer has read the document;

(2) The signer is authorized to file it;

(3) To the best of the signer's knowledge, information and belief there are good and sufficient grounds to support it; and

(4) The document has not been filed for purposes of delay.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 206.03 Delivery of Documents.

(a) Copies of all motions, exhibits, memoranda, or other documents filed by any party or intervenor shall be delivered by that party or intervenor to the board and to all other parties and intervenors.

(b) All notices, orders, decisions or other documents issued by the presiding officer or the board shall be delivered to all parties and intervenors.

(c) Delivery of documents relating to a proceeding but not issued by the presiding officer or the board shall be made either in hand or by depositing into the United States mail a copy of the document in an envelope bearing:

(1) The name of the person intended to receive the document;

(2) The full address, including zip code, last provided to the board by such person; and

(3) Prepaid first class postage.

(d) Delivery of documents relating to a proceeding and issued by the presiding officer or the board shall be made by mailing them in accordance with (c) above and using certified mail with return receipt requested.

(e) When a party or intervenor appears by a representative, delivery of a document to the party's or intervenor’s representative either in hand or at the address stated on the appearance filed by the representative shall constitute delivery to the party or intervenor.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 207 MOTIONS AND OBJECTIONS

Occ 207.01 Motions; Objections to Motions; Ruling on Motions.

(a) Motions shall be in written form and filed with the presiding officer, unless made in response to a matter asserted for the first time at a hearing or based on information that was not received in time to prepare a written motion.

(b) Oral motions and any oral objections to such motions shall be recorded in full in the record of the hearing. If the presiding officer finds that the motion requires additional information in order to be fully and fairly considered, the presiding officer shall direct the proponent to submit the motion in writing and provide supporting information.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, objections to written motions shall be filed within 10 days of the date of the motion.

(d) Failure by an opposing party or an intervenor to object to a motion shall not in and of itself constitute grounds for granting the motion.

(e) When necessary to obtain information or clarify an issue relating to the proceedings, the presiding officer shall hold a hearing on the motion.

(f) The presiding officer shall rule upon a motion after full consideration of all objections and applicable law.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 208 COMMENCEMENT OF ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS; APPEARANCES; PRE-HEARING CONFERENCES; RECORDING THE HEARING

Occ 208.01 Notice Commencing Adjudicative Proceedings.

(a) An adjudicative proceeding shall be commenced by notice to the parties of the following information:

(1) The names and addresses of the parties;

(2) The nature of the hearing;

(3) The time and place of the hearing and of any pre-hearing conference;

(4) The legal authority under which the hearing is to be held;

(5) The applicable statutes and rules;

(6) In a short and plain statement, the issues presented;

(7) The fact that each party has the right to have representation by an attorney at the party’s own expense;

(8) The name of the presiding officer, if known; and

(9) The fact that:

a. The licensee has the right to have the board provide a certified shorthand court reporter at the licensee's expense; and

b. The licensee's request for a certified shorthand court reporter shall be submitted in writing at least 10 days before the beginning of the hearing.

(b) The substitution of another individual for the individual identified as presiding officer in the notice of hearing shall not invalidate the notice.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 208.02 Appearances.

(a) An appearance shall be filed by:

(1) Each party or the party's representative, if any; and

(2) Each intervenor or the intervenor's representative, if any.

(b) Appearances shall be filed within 15 days of receipt of the notice required by Occ 208.01(a).

(1) The docket number assigned by the board or a brief identification of the case;

(2) The daytime address and telephone number of the person filing the appearance; and

(3) If applicable, the daytime address and telephone number of the party or intervenor represented by the person filing the appearance.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 208.03 Pre-hearing Conference.

(a) A prehearing conference shall be scheduled on the request of any party or intervenor or on the initiative of the board or the presiding officer if such a conference would facilitate the proceedings or encourage resolution of the dispute.

(b) A prehearing conference shall address one or more of the following:

(1) Offers of settlement;

(2) Simplification of the issues;

(3) Stipulations or admissions as to issues of fact or proof;

(4) Limitations on the number of witnesses;

(5) Changes to standard hearing procedures;

(6) Consolidation of examination of witnesses; and

(7) Any other matters that advance the efficiency of the proceedings.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 208.04 Recording the Hearing.

(a) The presiding officer shall record the hearing by electronic recording or any other method that will provide a verbatim record.

(b) If any person requests a transcript of the electronic recording of a hearing, the board shall:

(1) Cause a transcript to be prepared; and

(2) Upon receipt of payment for the cost of the transcription, provide a copy of the transcript to the person making the request.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 209 INTERVENTION; ROLE OF BOARD STAFF

Occ 209.01 Intervention Procedure.

(a) Petitions for intervention shall:

(1) Describe in writing the petitioner's interest in the subject matter of the proceedings;

(2) Be submitted to the presiding officer; and

(3) Be mailed in copy form to all parties identified in the notice commencing the hearing.

(b) A petition for intervention shall be granted by the presiding officer if the petitioner complied with (a) above at least 3 days before the hearing and the presiding officer determines that:

(1) The petition states facts demonstrating that the petitioner's rights, duties, privileges, immunities or other substantial interests might be affected by the proceedings or the petitioner qualifies as an intervenor under law; and

(2) The intervention sought would not impair the interests of justice and the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings.

(1) The petitioner complied with (a) above; and

(2) The presiding officer determines that the intervention sought would be in the interests of justice and would not impair the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 209.02 Effect of Intervention and Rights of an Intervenor.

(a) Approval of intervention by the presiding officer shall apply only to the proceeding in which the petition for intervention was granted.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, an intervenor’s right to participate in an adjudicative proceeding shall be subject to any limitations or conditions imposed by the presiding officer pursuant to RSA 541-A:32, III.

(c) An intervenor shall take the proceedings as he or she finds them and no portion of the proceeding shall be repeated because of the fact of intervention.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 209.03 Role of Board Staff. Unless called as witnesses, board staff shall have no role in any hearing.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 210 CONTINUANCES AND FAILURE TO ATTEND HEARING

Occ 210.01 Continuances.

(a) Any party or intervenor may make an oral or written motion that a hearing be delayed or continued to a later date or time.

(b) A motion for a delay or a continuance shall be granted if the presiding officer determines that a delay or continuance would assist in resolving the case fairly.

(c) If the later date, time and place are known when the hearing is being delayed or continued, the information shall be stated on the record. If the later date, time and place are not known at that time, the presiding officer shall as soon as practicable issue a written scheduling order stating the date, time and place of the delayed or continued hearing.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 210.02 Failure of a Party to Attend or Participate in the Hearing.

(a) A party shall be in default if the party:

(1) Has the overall burden of proof;

(2) Has been given notice in accordance with Occ 208.01(a); and

(3) Fails to attend the hearing.

(b) If a party is in default under (a) above, the case shall be dismissed.

(c) If a party who does not have the overall burden of proof fails to attend a hearing after having been given notice in accordance with Occ 208.01(a), the testimony and evidence of any other parties or intervenors shall be received and evaluated.

(d) If a party who has the overall burden of proof attends a hearing but fails to participate by presenting evidence or argument, a decision shall be entered against that party.

(e) The board shall not dismiss the case under (b) above if the failure to attend results from circumstances that are beyond the control of the party.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 211 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS

Occ 211.01 Voluntary Production of Information.

(a) Each party and intervenor shall attempt in good faith to make complete and timely response to requests for the voluntary production of information and documents relevant to the hearing.

(b) When a dispute arises concerning a request for the voluntary production of information or documents, any party or intervenor may file a motion to compel the production of the requested information or documents.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 211.02 Motions to Compel Production of Information and Documents.

(a) Any party or intervenor may make a motion seeking an order for compliance with an information or document request. The motion shall be filed at least 20 days before the date scheduled for the hearing and in any event as soon as possible after receiving the notice of the hearing and failing in an attempt to obtain the requested information or documents through voluntary production.

(b) The motion to compel shall:

(1) Set forth in detail those facts which justify the request for information or documents; and

(2) List with specificity the information or documents being sought.

(d) The presiding officer shall grant the motion to compel if its proponent has demonstrated that an order for compliance is necessary for a full and fair presentation of evidence at the hearing.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 211.03 Mandatory Pre-Hearing Disclosure of Witnesses and Exhibits. At least 5 days before the hearing, the parties and intervenors shall provide to the other parties and intervenors:

(a) A list of witnesses intended to be called at the hearing including their names, their addresses and their telephone numbers;

(b) Brief summaries of the testimony of the witnesses to be called;

(d) A copy of each document intended to be offered as evidence at the hearing; and

(e) An offer to allow the inspection of non-documentary exhibits intended to be offered as evidence at the hearing at times and places of convenience to the parties and intervernors.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 212 HEARING PROCEDURE

Occ 212.01 Standard and Burden of Proof. The party or intervenor asserting a proposition shall bear the burden of proving the truth of the proposition by a preponderance of the evidence.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.02 Order of Testimony; Cross-Examination.

(a) Any individual offering testimony, evidence or arguments shall state for the record his or her name and role in the hearing. If the individual is representing another person, the person being represented shall also be identified.

(b) Testimony on behalf of the parties shall be offered in the following order:

(1) The testimony of the party or parties bearing the overall burden of proof and such witnesses as such party or parties may call; and

(2) Thereafter, the testimony of the party or parties opposing the party who bears the overall burden of proof and such witnesses as such party or parties may call.

(c) The testimony of intervenors and such witnesses as such intervenors may be allowed to call shall be offered at the time directed by the presiding officer.

(d) Each party may cross-examine any witnesses offered against that party.

(e) The presiding officer shall call witnesses not called by the parties if their testimony is required for a full and fair adjudication of the issues.

(f) The right of an intervenor to cross-examine witnesses shall be determined by the presiding officer.

(g) Board members may question each witness after the witness has finished testifying.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.03 Evidence.

(a) Receipt of evidence shall be governed by the provisions of RSA 541-A:33.

(b) All rules of privilege recognized under the laws of the state of New Hampshire shall apply in proceedings before the board.

(c) All documents, materials and objects offered as exhibits shall be admitted into evidence unless excluded by the presiding officer as irrelevant, immaterial, unduly repetitious or legally privileged.

(d) All objections to the admissibility of evidence shall be stated as early as possible in the hearing, but not later than the time when the evidence is offered.

(e) Transcripts of testimony as well as documents, materials and objects admitted into evidence shall be public records unless the presiding officer determines that all or part of them is exempt from disclosure under RSA 91-A:5 or applicable case law.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.04 Proposed Findings of Fact and Rulings of Law.

(a) Any party or intervenor may submit proposed findings of fact and rulings of law.

(b) The presiding officer shall require the submission of proposed findings of fact and rulings of law and specify a deadline after the close of the hearing for their submission when:

(1) Any party or intervenor has requested such action;

(2) The presiding officer is required by Occ 212.07(d)(3) to submit findings of fact and rulings of law to the board; or

(3) The presiding officer determines that proposed findings of fact and rulings of law would clarify the issues presented at the hearing.

(c) In any case where proposed findings of fact and rulings of law are submitted, the decision shall include rulings on the proposals.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.05 Closing the Record. After the conclusion of the hearing and the filing of such post-hearing submissions as may be ordered by the presiding officer, the record shall be closed and no additional evidence shall be received into the record except as allowed by Occ 212.06.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.06 Reopening the Record.

(a) If no written proposal for decision pursuant to Occ 212.07(d) or decision pursuant to Occ 212.07 (a) has been issued, any party or intervenor may move to reopen the record for the inclusion in the record of specified evidence or claims of law.

(b) A motion pursuant to (a) above shall be granted if:

(1) There no objection from any other party or intervenor;

(2) The evidence sought to be included in the record was not available at the time of the hearing or the claim of law was inadvertently omitted; and

(3) The presiding officer determines that the evidence or claim of law is relevant, material and non-duplicative and its inclusion in the record is necessary to a full and fair consideration of the issues to be decided.

(c) If there is an objection from a party or intervenor to a motion made pursuant to (a) above, the hearing shall be reopened for the purpose of receiving evidence, permitting cross-examination and permitting argument on the issue of reopening the record.

(d) The presiding officer shall grant a motion made pursuant to (a) above if, after the reopened hearing described in (c) above, the presiding officer determines that the evidence sought to be included in the record was not available at the time of the hearing or the claim of law was inadvertently omitted and the evidence or claim of law is relevant, material and non-duplicative and its inclusion in the record is necessary to a full and fair consideration of the issues to be decided.

(e) If the presiding officer permits the reopening of the record for the admission of specified evidence or claim of law, the presiding officer shall extend the hearing reopened pursuant to (c) for the purpose of receiving evidence, permitting cross-examination and permitting argument on the substance of the evidence or on the claim of law.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.07 Disposition.

(a) The board shall issue a decision or order, whether or not the record has been reopened pursuant to Occ 212.06, based on:

(1) A hearing attended by a quorum of the board;

(2) A written proposal for disposition meeting the requirements of paragraph (d) below; or

(3) A hearing held pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) below.

(b) The decision or order shall be in writing and dated.

(c) A board member shall not participate in the board's disposition if he or she has not personally heard all of the testimony in the case, unless the disposition does not depend on the credibility of any witness and the record provides a reasonable basis for evaluating the testimony.

(d) If a presiding officer has been delegated the authority to conduct the hearing in the absence of a quorum of the board, the presiding officer shall submit to the board a written proposal for disposition containing:

(1) The disposition proposed by the presiding officer;

(2) A statement of the reasons for the proposed disposition; and

(3) Findings of fact and rulings of law necessary to the proposed disposition.

(e) If a proposed disposition submitted pursuant to paragraph (c) is adverse to a party or an intervenor, the board shall:

(1) Serve a copy of it on each party and intervenor; and

(2) Provide an opportunity to file objections and present briefs and oral arguments to the board.

(f) The board shall keep a final decision in its records for at least 5 years following their dates of issuance, unless the director of the division of records management and archives of the department of state sets a different retention period pursuant to rules adopted under RSA 5:40.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 212.08 Rehearing.

(a) Rehearing shall be before a quorum of the board.

(b) Within 30 days of the board's decision or order pursuant to Occ 212.07 any party or person directly affected may request rehearing of any matter determined in the proceeding or covered by the decision or order by submitting a written motion specifying:

(1) The issues to be considered at the rehearing; and

(2) Every ground on which it is claimed that the decision or order is unlawful or unreasonable.

(d) Within 10 days of the submission of the motion for rehearing the board shall:

(1) Grant the motion;

(2) Deny the motion; or

(3) Suspend the board's decision or order pending further consideration.

(e) The board shall grant the motion for rehearing if it determines that, in the original hearing it:

(1) Incorrectly assessed the relevant evidence;

(2) Incorrectly applied the relevant law; or

(3) Otherwise failed substantially to comply with this chapter or acted in a manner which was unlawful or unreasonable.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 213 SETTLEMENTS

Occ 213.01 Settlement of Non-Disciplinary Issues.

(a) Any licensee or applicant for a license having a dispute with the board over issues not related to a disciplinary matter shall have the opportunity to settle some or all of the issues if there is no dispute about the underlying material facts.

(b) To be effective, an agreement to settle shall be:

(1) In writing;

(2) Signed by the licensee or applicant for a license; and

(3) Finalized as an order issued by the board.

(c) The signing of the agreement to settle shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing of the issues resolved by the agreement.

Source. #8274, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 214 RULEMAKING

Occ 214.01 Petitions for Rulemaking.

(a) Any person may seek the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule by submitting to the board a petition pursuant to RSA 541-A:4.

(b) Each petition for rulemaking shall contain:

(1) The name and address of the individual petitioner or, if the request is that of an organization or other entity, the identity of such organization or entity and the name and address of the representative authorized by the entity to file the petition;

(2) A statement of the purpose of the petition, whether the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule;

(3) If amendment or adoption of a rule is sought, the text proposed;

(4) If amendment or repeal of a rule is sought, identification of the current rule sought to be amended or repealed;

(5) Reference to the statutory provision that authorizes or supports the rulemaking petition; and

(6) Information or argument useful to the board when deciding whether to begin the rulemaking process.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 214.02 Disposition of Petitions for Rulemaking.

(a) The board shall request additional information or argument from the petitioner for rulemaking or from others if such additional information or argument is required to reach a decision.

(b) The board shall grant the petition for rulemaking if the adoption, amendment or repeal sought would not result in:

(1) A rule that is not within the rulemaking authority of the board;

(2) Duplication of a rule or of a statutory provision;

(3) Inconsistency between the existing rules and the statutory mandate of the board;

(4) Inconsistency of administrative rules one with another; or

(5) Excessive burden upon the board in terms of cost or a reduction in efficiency or effectiveness.

(1) By notifying the petitioner that the petition is granted and beginning rulemaking proceedings as required by RSA 541-A:4; or

(2) By notifying the petitioner in writing that the petition is denied and the reasons for its denial.

(d) The denial of a petition for rulemaking shall not entitle the petitioner to a hearing.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 215 PUBLIC COMMENT HEARINGS

Occ 215.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to provide uniform procedures for the conduct of public comment hearings held pursuant to RSA 541-A:11.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 215.02 Public Access and Participation.

(a) Public comment hearings shall be open to the public, and members of the public shall be entitled to testify, subject to the limitations of Occ 215.03.

(b) People who wish to testify shall be asked to write on the speaker's list:

(1) Their full names and addresses; and

(2) The names and addresses of organizations, entities or other persons whom they represent, if any.

(c) Written comments, which may be submitted in lieu of or in addition to oral testimony, shall be accepted for 10 days after the adjournment of a hearing or after the adjournment of a postponed or continued hearing.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 215.03 Limitations on Public Participation. The board's chair or other person designated by the board to preside over a hearing shall:

(a) Refuse to recognize for speaking or revoke the recognition of any person who:

(1) Speaks or acts in an abusive or disruptive manner;

(2) Fails to keep comments relevant to the proposed rules that are the subject matter of the hearing; or

(3) Restates more than once what he or she has already stated; and

(b) Limit presentations on behalf of the same organization or entity to no more than 3, provided that all those representing such organization or entity may enter their names and addresses into the record as supporting the position of the organization or entity.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 215.04 Media Access. Public comment hearings shall be open to print and electronic media, subject to the following limitations when such limitations are necessary to allow a hearing to go forward:

(a) Limitation of the number of media representatives when their number together with the number of members of the public present exceeds the capacity of the hearing room;

(b) Limitation on the placement of cameras to specific locations within the hearing room; or

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 215.05 Conduct of Public Comment Hearings.

(a) Public comment hearings shall be attended by a quorum of the board.

(b) Public comment hearings shall be presided over by the board chair or a board member knowledgeable in the subject area of the proposed rules who has been designated by the board to preside over the hearing.

(1) Call the hearing to order;

(2) Identify the proposed rules that are the subject matter of the hearing and provide copies of them upon request;

(3) Cause a recording of the hearing to be made;

(4) Recognize those who wish to be heard;

(5) If necessary, establish limits pursuant Occ 215.03 and Occ 215.04;

(6) If necessary to permit the hearing to go forward in an orderly manner, effect the removal of a person who speaks or acts in a manner that is personally abusive or otherwise disrupts the hearing;

(7) If necessary, postpone or move the hearing; and

(8) Adjourn or continue the hearing.

(d) A hearing shall be postponed in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, IV when:

(1) The weather is so inclement that it is reasonable to conclude that people wishing to attend the hearing will be unable to do so;

(2) The board chair or other person designated by the board to preside over the hearing is ill or unavoidably absent; or

(3) Postponement will facilitate greater participation by the public.

(e) A hearing shall be moved to another location in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, V when the original location is not able to accommodate the number of people who wish to attend the hearing.

(f) A hearing shall be continued past the scheduled time or to another date in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, III when:

(1) The time available is not sufficient to give each person who wishes to speak a reasonable opportunity to do so; or

(2) The capacity of the room in which the hearing is to be held does not accommodate the number of people who wish to attend and it is not possible to move the hearing to another location.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 216 DECLARATORY RULINGS

Occ 216.01 Requests for Declaratory Rulings.

(a) Any individual or entity may request a declaratory ruling by the board if that individual or entity is directly affected by the applicable statute or by any administrative rule.

(b) A request for a declaratory ruling shall be in a writing containing:

(1) The name and address of the individual or entity making the request;

(2) The text of the ruling being requested;

(3) The reasons for the request; and

(4) The following declaration signed by the individual making the request, the authorized representative of such individual, or the authorized representative of the entity making the request:

"I declare that I have examined the request for a declaratory ruling, including the accompanying documents, and state that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the facts presented in support of the requested declaratory ruling are true, correct and complete."

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 216.02 Documents Required to Support Requests for Declaratory Rulings.

(a) A request for a declaratory ruling shall be accompanied by:

(1) A statement citing the statutory law, regulatory law and orders believed to support the ruling being requested;

(2) A statement of the facts believed to support the ruling being requested; and

(3) Supplementary material necessary to establish or clarify the facts set forth in the statement of facts.

(b) A request for a declaratory ruling may be accompanied by additional material chosen by the person making the request.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 216.03 Processing Requests for Declaratory Rulings.

(a) Within 30 days of receiving a request for a declaratory ruling the board shall advise the individual or entity requesting it if the ruling will be delayed by the need for additional information or the complexity of the issues presented.

(b) If additional information should be needed, the board shall specify the additional information required and request that it be provided in a statement of additional information that includes the declaration specified in Occ 216.01(b)(4) and is accompanied by any material necessary to establish or clarify the facts set forth in the statement.

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 216.04 Issuance and Publication of Declaratory Rulings.

(a) When facts sufficient to support a declaratory ruling have been established, the board shall issue a written declaratory ruling which applies all relevant law to the established facts.

(b) When the established facts show that the board lacks subject matter or personal jurisdiction to issue a declaratory ruling, the board shall issue a written decision stating that it lacks jurisdiction to issue a declaratory ruling and identifying the lack of jurisdiction.

(c) Declaratory rulings shall be filed on the day of issuance with the director of legislative services in accordance with RSA 541-A:16, II (b).

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

Occ 216.05 Effect of Declaratory Rulings. A declaratory ruling shall apply only to the board and to the individual or entity requesting it and shall be confined to the facts presented pursuant to Occ 216.02 (a)(2) through (a)(3) and in response to a request of the board made pursuant to Occ 216.03 (b).

Source. #8273, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 217 EXPLANATION OF ADOPTED RULES

Occ 217.01 Requests for Explanation of Adopted Rules. Any interested person may, within 30 days of the final adoption of a rule, request a written explanation of that rule by making a written request to the board including:

(a) The name and address of the individual making the request; or

(b) If the request is that of an organization or other entity, the name and address of such organization or entity and the name and address of the representative authorized by the organization or entity to make the request.

Source. #8274, eff 1-26-05

Occ 217.02 Contents of Explanation. The board shall, within 90 days of receiving a request in accordance with Occ 217.01, provide a written response which:

(a) Concisely states the meaning of the rule adopted;

(b) Concisely states the principal reasons for and against the adoption of the rule in its final form; and

Source. #8274, eff 1-26-05

PART Occ 218 VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSE

Occ 218.01 Procedures for, and Effect of, Voluntary Surrender of License. Pursuant to RSA 328-F:13, I, the procedures for, and effect of, the voluntary surrender of a license shall be governed by Ahp 219.

Source. #8274, eff 1-26-05

CHAPTER Occ 300 REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

PART Occ 301 DEFINITIONS

Occ 301.01 “American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)” means the component of the American Occupational Therapy Association that establishes the core requirements for occupational therapy education and accredits education programs of occupational therapy education.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 301.02 “Active in the profession” means having engaged in occupational therapy in another state:

(a) As:

(1) A direct caregiver;

(2) An occupational therapy educator;

(3) An occupational therapy administrator;

(4) A member of an occupational therapy board or committee;

(5) An occupational therapy consultant;

(6) A student enrolled full time in an advanced occupational therapy degree program; or

(7) A researcher; and

(b) For 100 hours during each 12-month period for 2 consecutive 12-month periods preceding the date of submission of the application-form part of the application packet described in Occ 302.01(a).

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07; ss by #9146, eff 4-30-08

Occ 301.03 “Board” means “board” as defined in RSA 326-C:1, I, namely, “the occupational therapy governing board established in RSA 328-F.”

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 301.04 “Direct supervision” means supervision through direct and continuous observation of the activities of the person being supervised.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 301.05 “Indirect supervision” means supervision through the supervisor's review of the treatment progress notes made by the person supervised, telephone conversations between the supervisor and the person supervised, electronic correspondence between the supervisor and the person supervised or any other form of supervision which is not direct supervision.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 301.06 “National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)” means the entity that develops the national examination for occupational therapy and certifies individuals in occupational therapy practice.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

PART Occ 302 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Occ 302.01 Processing of Applications for Initial Licensure.

(a) Applicants who wish to apply for initial licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall do so by submitting, or arranging for the submission of, each of the following components of the application packet:

(1) An application form provided by the board that contains the information specified by Occ 302.02;

(2) The required documents specified by Occ 302.04;

(3) The non-refundable application processing fee specified by Ahp 301.02(a); and

(4) The initial license fee specified by Ahp 301.02(a).

(b) If the board, after receiving and reviewing a completed application form complying with Occ 302.02, requires further information or documents to determine the applicant's qualification for licensure, the board shall:

(1) So notify the applicant in writing within 60 days; and

(2) Specify the information or documents it requires.

(1) The completed application packet described in (a) above; and

(2) Any additional information or documents which may have been requested pursuant to (b) above.

(d) The application shall be denied if the application is not complete within 54 weeks of the receipt by the board of the application-form part of the application packet.

(e) The board shall issue written approval or denial of an application within 120 days of the date that the application is complete.

(f) The board shall refund the license fee, but not the application processing fee, if:

(1) The applicant withdraws the application;

(2) The application is not completed within 54 weeks of receipt by the board of the application-form part of the application packet; or

(3) The board denies the application.

(g) Any applicant wishing to challenge the board's denial of an application for initial licensure shall:

(1) Make a written request for a hearing of the applicant's challenge; and

(2) Submit this request to the board:

a. Within 60 days of the board’s notification of denial; or

b. If the applicant is on active military duty outside the United States, within 60 days of the applicant’s return to the United States or release from duty, whichever occurs later.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 302.02 Multipart Application Form.

(a) The multipart application form shall:

(1) Be provided by the board; and

(2) Contain 2 parts as follows:

a. Part one, which is held confidential by the board; and

b. Part 2, which is available to the public.

(b) The applicant shall:

(1) Complete the entire form using a keyboard or by printing the information legibly in ink; and

(2) Complete all sections of the entire form or designate them as not applicable.

(c) On part one of the form the applicant shall designate the initial license applied for by circling the appropriate designation preprinted on the form.

(d) On part one of the form the applicant shall provide his or her:

(1) Full name;

(2) Home address;

(3) Home phone number;

(4) Home e-mail address, if the applicant wishes to provide it;

(5) Mailing address;

(6) Business name, if any;

(7) Business mailing address, if any;

(8) Business phone number, if any;

(9) Business e-mail address, if the applicant has one and wishes to provide it;

(10) Date of birth; and

(11) Place of birth.

(e) On part one of the form the applicant shall:

(1) Designate on the line provided which of the above addresses the board is permitted to make available to the public; and

(2) Write the words “omit my name” in the space provided if the applicant wants his or her name omitted from the list of licensees the board provides to entities using the list for commercial purposes.

(f) Also on part one of the form the applicant shall indicate using the “yes” and “no” columns provided:

(1) Whether the applicant has any reason to believe that the applicant will soon be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding, settlement agreement or consent decree undertaken or issued by a professional licensing board of any state or jurisdiction;

(2) Whether any malpractice claim has been made against the applicant;

(3) Whether the applicant has for disciplinary reasons been put on administrative leave or had any privileges limited, suspended or revoked in any:

a. Hospital;

b. Health care setting;

c. Home health care agency;

d. Educational institution; or

e. Other professional setting;

(4) Whether the applicant has been denied the privilege of taking an examination required for any professional licensure;

(5) Whether the applicant has any physical, mental or emotional condition, or any alcohol or substance abuse problem, which could negatively affect the applicant's ability to practice the profession for which licensure is sought; and

(6) Whether the applicant engages in any remedial undertaking to alleviate one or more conditions listed in (5) above which could itself negatively affect the applicant's ability to practice the profession for which licensure is sought.

(g) Pursuant to RSA 161-B:11 the applicant shall furnish his or her social security number on part one of the application form.

(h) On part 2 of the application form the applicant shall provide:

(1) His or her full name;

(2) For the applicant's undergraduate education and graduate education:

a. The name and address of the college, university or other institution;

b. The degree earned;

c. The year of the degree earned; and

d. The major subject taken in the degree granting program;

(3) For any additional education, educational degree or educational credential required to achieve eligibility for initial licensure:

a. The name and address of the educational program or institution;

b. The degree or other credential earned; and

c. The year of the degree or credential earned; and

(4) A list of the jurisdictions where the applicant is or has been licensed to practice.

(i) On part 2 of the application form the applicant shall indicate by using the “yes” and “no” columns provided:

(1) Whether the applicant has been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest to any felony or misdemeanor;

(2) Whether the applicant has ever been the subject of any disciplinary action by any professional licensing authority;

(3) Whether the applicant has ever been denied a license or other authorization to practice in any state or jurisdiction;

(4) Whether the applicant has ever surrendered a license or other authorization to practice issued by any state or jurisdiction in order to avoid or settle disciplinary charges; and

(5) Whether the applicant has a full or partial ownership interest in any business providing services in the allied health professional field for which the applicant seeks to be licensed.

(j) Also on part 2 of the form the applicant shall place his or her notarized signature, printed full name and the date of signing below the following preprinted statement:

“I acknowledge that knowingly making a false statement on this application form is a misdemeanor under RSA 641:2, I. I certify that the information I have provided on all parts of the application form and in the documents that I have personally submitted to support my application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I have read the statute and the rules of the Board and promise that, if I am licensed, I will abide by them.”

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07; ss by #9146, eff 4-30-08

Occ 302.03 Effect of Notarized Signature. The effect of the applicant’s notarized signature on part 2 of the form shall be:

(a) The applicant’s acknowledgement that knowingly making a false statement on the application form is a misdemeanor under RSA 641:2, I;

(b) The applicant’s certification that:

(1) The information provided on all of the parts of the application form and in the documents personally submitted to support the application is complete and accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief; and

(2) The applicant has read the statutes and administrative rules of the board; and

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 302.04 Required Documents. Applicants for initial licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall provide, or arrange for the board to receive, the following documents supporting their applications:

(a) A recent passport size, 2" x 2", original head-shot photograph;

(b) On a separate sheet, a detailed report of the relevant circumstances if any of the answers to questions (f)(1) through (f)(6) on part one of the application form is in the affirmative;

(c) On a separate sheet, a detailed report of the relevant circumstances if any of the answers to questions (i)(1) through (i)(5) on part 2 of the application form is in the affirmative;

(d) Official transcripts showing all post-secondary education:

(1) Mailed directly to the board by the issuing institution(s); or

(2) Submitted by the applicant in one or more envelope(s) sealed by the institution(s) in such a manner that it would be evident to the board if the envelope(s) had been opened;

(e) An official letter of verification sent directly to the board from every state which has issued a license or other authorization to practice stating whether:

(1) The license or other authorization is or was, during its period of validity, in good standing; and

(2) Whether any disciplinary action was taken against the license or other authorization to practice;

(f) If the applicant was ever certified by NBCOT, unless the information is available only on a website through a secure connection, a letter verifying such certification sent by NBCOT directly to the board;

(g) If the applicant was not previously certified by NBCOT, unless the information about the applicant's success on the examination required by Occ 303.01(b)(4) is available only on a website through a secure connection, a letter verifying that the applicant passed the examination sent by NBCOT directly to the board;

(h) A resume presenting a chronologically organized account of the applicant’s experience in occupational therapy since the completion of the academic program, including:

(1) Each separate experience in paid or volunteer work as:

a. A direct care-giver in occupational therapy;

b. An occupational therapy educator;

c. An occupational therapy administrator;

d. A member of an occupational therapy board or committee; and

e. An occupational therapy consultant;

(2) The time period of each separate experience described by its beginning and ending dates; and

(3) The number of hours of engagement in each separate experience estimated on a per-week or per-month basis;

(i) Letters of reference meeting the requirements of Occ 302.05 and written by 2 professional colleagues who are:

(1) Familiar with the applicant's character, professional competence and skills in occupational therapy; and

(2) Licensed or certified in any state to practice at least one of the following professions:

a. Occupational therapy;

b. Physical therapy;

c. Registered nursing;

d. Medicine;

e. Speech-language pathology; or

f. Education;

(j) If Occ 303.02 is applicable, the following proofs of having met the continuing competence requirements:

(1) A transcript of each professional education program taken displaying the hours of continuing professional education credited; or

(2) A proof of attendance displaying, for each professional education program:

a. The name of the applicant;

b. The name of the program, if descriptive of its contents, or other description of the program contents;

c. The beginning and ending dates of the program;

d. The duration of the program stated in hours; and

e. The signature of a representative of the program's provider;

(k) If Occ 304.01 is applicable, the completed supervision form described in Occ 304.06; and

(l) A criminal offender record report from each state where the applicant has been licensed or has resided within the past 6 years, provided that such state(s) will release such report(s):

(1) Directly to the board; or

(2) To the applicant to be forwarded to the board.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07; ss by #9146, eff 4-30-08

Occ 302.05 Letters of Reference. Letters of reference shall:

(a) Be signed and written on the professional letterhead of the writer;

(b) Be dated within 6 months of the applicant’s submission of the application packet;

(d) Attest to the good character, professional competence and occupational therapy skills of the applicant.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

PART Occ 303 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

Occ 303.01 Eligibility Requirements.

(a) Applicants for initial licensure as occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall:

(1) Be at least 17 years of age;

(2) Be of good moral and professional character, as evidenced by:

a. The answers to questions (f)(1)-(f)(6) and questions (i)(1)-(i)(5) on the application form described in Occ 302.02;

b. Any reports submitted pursuant to Occ 302.04(b) and (c);

c. Any verification information as described in Occ 302.04(d);

d. The letters of reference required by Occ 302.04(h); and

e. Any criminal offender record report(s) submitted in accordance with Occ 302.04(k);

(3) Be or have been NBCOT certified or have met the educational, supervised field work and examination requirements set forth in (b) below;

(4) Have complied with the continuing competence requirements set forth in Occ 303.02, if they are applicable; and

(5) If licensed in another state, be active in the profession as defined in Occ 301.02.

(b) Applicants not previously NBCOT certified shall have:

(1) Successfully completed an ACOTE-accredited academic program in occupational therapy;

(2) If applying for licensure as occupational therapists, successfully completed 6 months of supervised field work approved by the institutions providing their academic programs;

(3) If applying for licensure as occupational therapy assistants, successfully completed 2 months of supervised field work approved by the institutions providing their academic programs; and

(4) Passed the entry level examination for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants, as applicable, developed by NBCOT.

(c) Applicants for initial licensure as occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants who are licensed in another state but are not active in the profession shall be issued conditional licenses as further set forth in Occ 304.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 303.02 Continuing Competence Requirements.

(a) Continuing competence shall be maintained by applicants who:

(1) Passed the NBCOT examination described in Occ 303.01(b)(4) more than 52 weeks before submitting the application-form part of the application packet; and

(2) Have not practiced as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant since passing the examination.

(b) If more than 52 but fewer than 104 weeks have elapsed since such applicants passed the NBCOT examination, they shall maintain continuing competence by:

(1) Completing 12 hours of professional education in the clinical application of occupational therapy skills; and

(2) Doing so within the 12 months just preceding the submission of their application packets.

(c) If 104 or more weeks have elapsed since such applicants passed the NBCOT examination, they shall maintain continuing competence by:

(1) Completing 24 hours of professional education in the clinical application of occupational therapy skills; and

(2) Doing so within the 24 months just preceding the submission of their application packets.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

PART Occ 304 CONDITIONAL LICENSES

Occ 304.01 Eligibility for Conditional Licensure.

(a) The board shall issue conditional licenses to initial licensure applicants licensed in another state but not active in the profession if they:

(1) Meet the eligibility requirements of Occ 303.01(a)(1)-(4);

(2) Meet the continuing competence requirements of (b) or (c) below, as applicable; and

(3) Arrange for the board to receive the following documents:

a. The completed supervision form described in Occ 304.06, submitted by the conditional licensee before beginning practice; and

b. The following proof(s) of having maintained continuing competence:

1. If claiming maintenance of continuing competence through continual maintenance of NBCOT certification pursuant to (b)(1) below, a verifying letter sent by NBCOT directly to the board;

2. If claiming maintenance of continuing competence through continuing professional education pursuant to (b)(2) below, documentation of such continuing professional education in accordance with Occ 406.02-Occ 406.18; or

3. If claiming maintenance of continuing competence pursuant to (b)(3) or (c) below, and information about the applicant's success on the examination is not available to the board electronically, a letter verifying that the applicant has retaken and passed the NBCOT examination, sent by NBCOT directly to the board.

(b) Applicants licensed in another state but not active in the profession for a period up to and including 6 years preceding the date of application for initial licensure shall have maintained continuing competence by:

(1) Having continually maintained NBCOT certification;

(2) Completing in each calendar year 6 contact hours of continuing professional education relating directly to the clinical application of occupational therapy and 6 contact hours of continuing professional education relating to general occupational therapy theory and practice, including, but not limited to, supervision and consultation skills, curriculum development and trans-disciplinary issues or skills; or

(3) Retaking and passing the entry level NBCOT examination.

(c) Applicants licensed in another state but not active in the profession for a period of more than 6 years shall have maintained continuing competence by retaking and passing the entry level NBCOT examination.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.02 Duration and Practice Limitations of Conditional Licenses.

(a) Conditional licenses shall remain valid for no more than 26 weeks unless validity is extended pursuant to Occ 304.07.

(b) Holders of conditional licenses shall practice under the following supervision:

(1) Direct supervision by a supervisor meeting the requirements of Occ 304.05 for 5 percent of the hours worked each week; and

(2) Indirect supervision by a supervisor meeting the requirements of Occ 304.05 for another 5 percent of the hours worked each week.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.03 Full Licensure of Conditional Licensees.

(a) To achieve full licensure conditional licensees shall, within the period of validity of their conditional licenses:

(1) Practice under the supervision required by Occ 304.02(b) for at least 12 weeks if practicing 32 hours each week and for at least 24 weeks if practicing fewer than 32 hours each week;

(2) Demonstrate competence as documented by at least one supervisory letter complying with (b) below; and

(3) Arrange for the board to receive such supervisory letter(s) directly from the supervisor(s).

(b) A supervisory letter demonstrating competence shall:

(1) Be on the supervisor's business stationery, dated and signed by the supervisor; and

(2) Include the supervisor's statement that:

a. The required supervised practice was completed;

b. The supervision rules set forth in Occ 304 were followed; and

c. In the opinion of the supervisor, the conditional licensee is competent to practice under full licensure.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.04 Administrative Obligations of Conditional Licensees.

(a) Before the beginning of supervision by each individual who will provide some or all of the weeks of supervision, conditional licensees shall:

(1) Give to these individuals a copy of Occ 304 and the supervision form provided by the board;

(2) Discuss the required supervision with these individuals; and

(3) Submit to the board the completed supervision form(s) described in Occ 304.06.

(b) Whenever individual(s) providing supervision are replaced by other individual(s), conditional licensees shall:

(1) Notify the board of that fact; and

(2) Take the actions required by (a) above.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.05 Eligibility Requirements for Supervisors. To qualify to provide the required supervision individuals shall be:

(a) Currently licensed in New Hampshire as occupational therapists;

(b) Non-probationary employees not under disciplinary investigation or under pending disciplinary charges in the facilities where supervision is to take place; and

(1) Spouse;

(2) Parent, step-parent, parent-in-law or step-parent in-law;

(3) Natural, foster or adopted child or stepchild;

(4) Sibling, brother-in-law or sister-in-law;

(5) First or second cousin;

(6) Grandparent; or

(7) Aunt or uncle.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.06 Supervision Form.

(a) The supervision form shall:

(1) Be provided by the board; and

(2) Specify the purpose of the supervision.

(b) The individual to be supervised shall:

(1) Legibly complete the form in ink or using a keyboard; and

(2) Enter on the form his or her:

a. Name; and

b. Residential and business addresses.

(1) Legibly complete the form in ink or using a keyboard;

(2) Provide the following information:

a. His or her name, business address and business telephone number;

b. His or her New Hampshire professional license number; and

c. The site of the supervision identified by the name, mailing address and location of the institution, facility or office; and

(3) Sign and date the form below the following preprinted statement:

"By signing this form I state that I have read and understood the applicable rules of supervision or order of the Board for supervision, agree to undertake the duties of supervision set forth in the rules or order of the Board, agree to be responsible for the acts and omissions of any person to whom I delegate the duties of supervision, and acknowledge that my own or my delegate's failure to comply with the rules or order of the Board might result in disciplinary sanctions.”

(d) The signature required by (c)(3) above shall constitute the signer's:

(1) Assertion that the signer has read and understood the rules or order of the board governing the supervision;

(2) Agreement to undertake the duties of supervision;

(3) Agreement to take responsibility for the acts and omissions of any individual to whom the signer delegates the duties of supervision; and

(4) Statement of understanding that the failure of the signer or the signer's delegate to follow the rules or order of the board governing the supervision has the potential to subject the signer to disciplinary sanctions.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.07 Extension of Conditional Licenses.

(a) The board shall extend the period of validity of a conditional license for not more than 26 weeks when:

(1) The conditional license is still valid;

(2) The conditional licensee has been unable to comply with Occ 304.03(a) because:

a. The conditional licensee is unable to complete the required weeks of practice for any reason other than being fired for cause or terminated during probationary employment because of incompetence; or

b. The conditional licensee is unable to submit the required supervisory letter for a reason unrelated to the supervisor’s belief that the licensee is not competent to practice under full licensure; and

(3) The conditional licensee submits a written request for the extension stating the facts relating to one of the reasons in (2) above.

(b) The board shall extend the period of validity of a conditional license for the period of time, not to exceed 6 weeks, specified by the supervisor of the conditional licensee when:

(1) The conditional license is still valid; and

(2) The conditional licensee submits the supervisor’s signed statement of opinion that the licensee will become competent to practice under full licensure if the conditional license is extended for a period to time, not to exceed 6 weeks, specified by the supervisor.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.08 Professional Obligations of Conditional Licensees. Conditional licensees shall at all times be:

(a) Bound by the requirements of Occ 500; and

(b) Subject to the same disciplinary sanctions as are holders of other licenses issued by the board.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

Occ 304.09 Expiration and Suspension of Conditional Licenses.

(a) A conditional license shall expire when the board approves or denies full initial licensure.

(b) The conditional licensee shall have the right to challenge the board’s denial of full licensure through an adjudicative hearing.

(1) Practice by the conditional licensee without supervision;

(2) The conditional licensee’s termination from employment for cause; or

(3) The conditional licensee’s termination from employment for incompetence during a probationary period.

(d) The board shall suspend a conditional license pursuant to (c)(1) through (3) above only after:

(1) Giving the conditional licensee notice containing:

a. A statement of the board’s intention to suspend the conditional license;

b. The grounds of the intended suspension;

c. The date of the intended suspension; and

d. A statement that the conditional licensee has the right to request an adjudicative hearing to challenge the intended suspension; and

(2) Providing the conditional licensee the opportunity to challenge the intended suspension at an adjudicative hearing.

(e) The board shall suspend a conditional license on an emergency basis in the circumstances, and according to the procedures, set forth in RSA 541-A:30, III.

Source. #8296, eff 3-1-05; ss by #8894, eff 6-7-07

PART Occ 305 CERTIFICATION FOR the Use of Physical Agent Modalities

Occ 305.01 Definitions. In Occ 305 the terms used shall have the following meanings:

(a) "Electrical stimulation modality" means a physical agent modality which consists of the application to the body of electrical current for the purpose of analgesia, muscle contraction, the promotion of healing, the reduction of edema and other therapeutic results.

(b) “Hand therapy certification commission” means a non-profit corporation which sponsors a credentialing program for occupational therapists and physical therapists who specialize in upper-extremity rehabilitation.

(c) “High voltage galvanic stimulation (HVGS)” means an electrical modality produced by a twin peak uni-directional waveform in pulsed current and characterized by its high voltage.

(d) "Iontophoresis" means the use of direct electrical current to deliver medication or ionized drugs topically into a localized area of tissue.

(e) “Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)” means an electrical modality which is used to stimulate the nerves that correspond to a targeted muscle or muscle group, thereby causing a muscle to contract.

(f) "Phonophoresis" means the use of ultrasound to enhance tissue permeability to assist in the delivery of anti-inflammatory medication.

(g) "Physical agent modality (PAM)" means the application of temperature, water, light, sound or electricity for the purpose of producing a response in the body’s muscle, tendon, nerve, skin, fascia, scar, vascular or other part of the soft tissue system. The modality applied is chosen by the practitioner as an adjunct to, or in preparation for, the client’s ability to engage in occupations.

(h) "Superficial physical agent modality" means the application to the body of thermal agents, including but not limited to, hot packs, paraffin, fluidotherapy, whirlpool, contrast baths and ice packs.