37-24-105. Use of superficial physical agent modalities. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person may not use occupational therapy techniques involving superficial physical agent modalities unless the person:

(a) is a licensed occupational therapist under this chapter;

(b) limits application of superficial agent modalities to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand; and

(c) has successfully completed 16 hours of instruction or training in superficial physical agent modalities and documents competency, as approved by the board, in the following areas:

(i) principles of physics related to specific properties of light, water, temperature, sound, or electricity, as indicated by selected modalities;

(ii) physiological, neurophysiological, and electrophysiological changes that occur as a result of the application of selected modalities;

(iii) the response of normal and abnormal tissue to the application of selected modalities;

(iv) indications and contraindications related to the selection and application of the modality;

(v) guidelines for the treatment or administration of the modality within the philosophical framework of occupational therapy;

(vi) guidelines for educating the patient, including information about risks and benefits of the occupational therapy techniques;

(vii) safety rules and precautions related to the selected modalities;

(viii) methods for documenting the effectiveness and immediate and long-term effects of treatment in relation to task-oriented activities; and

(ix) characteristics of and guidelines for the use of therapy equipment, including safe operation, adjustment, and care and maintenance of the equipment.

(2) A certified occupational therapy assistant who works under the direct supervision of a qualified occupational therapist may apply superficial physical agent modalities to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 297, L. 1993.