Section 2.03. Examinations, panel review of applications.

 

(1)  Applicants for licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall pass the certification examination for occupational therapist or the certification examination for occupational therapy assistant of the national board for certification in occupational therapy, and shall complete an open book examination on statutes and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy in Wisconsin.

(2)  An applicant may be required to complete an oral examination if the applicant meets any of the following criteria:

(a) Has a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits the applicant's ability to practice occupational therapy with reasonable skill and safety.

(b) Uses chemical substances so as to impair in any way the applicant's ability to practice occupational therapy with reasonable skill and safety.

(c) Has been disciplined or had licensure denied by a licensing or regulatory authority in Wisconsin or another jurisdiction.

(d) Has been convicted of a crime the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of occupational therapy.

(e) Has not practiced occupational therapy for a period of 5 years prior to application, unless the applicant has graduated from a school of occupational therapy within that period. Practice for the purposes of this paragraph includes direct client treatment and education, occupational therapy instruction in an occupational therapy academic program recognized by the board, occupational therapy research, and service in administrative positions for health care providers or governmental bodies with responsibility relating to occupational therapy.

(f) Has been found negligent in the practice of occupational therapy or has been a party in a lawsuit in which it was alleged that the applicant has been negligent in the practice of occupational therapy.

(g) Has been diagnosed as suffering from pedophilia, exhibitionism or voyeurism.

(h) Has within the past 2 years engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances.

(i) Has been subject to adverse formal action during the course of occupational therapy education, postgraduate training, hospital practice, or other occupational therapy employment.

(j) Has graduated from an occupational therapy school not approved by the board.

(3)  An application filed under s. OT 2.01 shall be reviewed by an application review panel of at least 2 board members designated by the chairperson of the board. The panel shall determine whether the applicant is eligible for a license without completing an oral examination.

(4)  All written or oral examinations shall be conducted in the English language.

(5)  If both written and oral examinations are required they shall be scored separately and the applicant shall achieve a passing grade on all examinations to qualify for a license.

(6)  The board shall notify each applicant eligible for examination of the time and place scheduled for that applicant's examinations. Failure of an applicant to appear for examinations as scheduled will void that applicant's application and require the applicant to reapply for licensure, unless prior scheduling arrangements have been made with the board by the applicant.

(7)  If after receipt of additional information from applicants who have been treated for alcohol or drug abuse or impairment or from applicants who have been treated for an acute or chronic psychological impairment the board decides that an oral examination shall be administered, the examination shall be limited to a determination whether at the time of application the applicant's disability appears to pose an actual risk to the health, safety or welfare of client or public arising from the applicant's demonstrated inability to safely carry out necessary duties and responsibilities inherent to the practice of occupational therapy.

History: CR 02-026 : cr. Register December 2002 No. 564 , eff. 1-1-03; CR 13-109 : am. (2) (e), (j) Register September 2014 No. 705 , eff. 10-1-14.