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HB347

HB347: Rules for Occupational Therapists and Assistants

Last scannedSep 21, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill updates Alaska law to list the services occupational therapists can provide, allows them to treat patients without a doctor's referral, and defines new terms related to testing.

What it does

  • Creates a detailed list of tasks that licensed occupational therapists may perform for people with injuries or disabilities.
  • Allows occupational therapists to start treatment plans without needing a referral from another healthcare provider first.
  • Updates the legal definition of 'occupational therapy' by removing old requirements about payment and specific skill lists.
  • Clarifies that an occupational therapist must supervise any work done by an occupational therapy assistant.
  • Adds a new rule defining 'test and measurement' to include imaging and electrical diagnostic methods used in therapy.

Who it affects

  • Licensed occupational therapists practicing in Alaska
  • Occupational therapy assistants working under supervision

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill text does not state when these new rules will officially take effect.
  • The source material lists the services allowed but does not specify how much therapists may charge for them.

Plain language

Terms to know

Scope of practice
The specific list of tasks and services a professional is legally allowed to perform.
Referral
A request or order from one healthcare provider that allows another provider to treat a patient.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS & ASSISTANTS An Act relating to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; relating to the practice of physical therapy; and relating to the practice of occupational therapy.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) Heard & HeldText
  2. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124Text
  3. (H) Heard & HeldText
  4. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124Text
  5. (H) REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE1688
  6. (H) L&C, HSS1688
  7. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1688