OAR 339-010-0055: Occupational Therapy Aides Tasks

(1) An “aide” is a person who provides support services to an occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant, but is not licensed by the Occupational Therapy Licensing Board. Any aide who is working with or supporting patients, and is performing activities covered under the occupational therapy plan of treatment, is considered an occupational therapy aide. The occupational therapy practitioner is responsible for the overall use and actions of the aide, and must ensure the competency of the aide performing the assigned tasks. (2) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant may supervise the aide. When the aide is performing treatment related tasks, the supervising occupational therapy practitioner must be within sight or earshot of the aide, and must be immediately available at all times to provide in-person direction, assistance, advice, or instruction to the aide. (3) Treatment related tasks that the aide may assist with under the direct supervision of the occupational therapy practitioner include: (a) Routine transfers; (b) Routine care of patient’s personal needs during the course of treatment; (c) Execution of a well-established routine activity and/or exercise; (d) Assisting the occupational therapy practitioner as directed during the course of treatment. (4) Non-treatment related tasks that may be performed by the occupational therapy aide include: (a) Clerical; (b) Secretarial; (c) Housekeeping; (d) Supply ordering; (e) Equipment maintenance; (f) Fabrication of generic strapping material for splints; (g) Transporting patients; (h) Preparation of the work area or equipment. (5) An aide does not provide skilled occupational therapy services in any practice setting. These rules do not apply to school aides and occupational therapists working in school settings. The rules on aides in the education setting are found in OAR 339-010-0050.