§ 5-40.1-14. Grounds for refusal to renew, suspension, or revocation of license. (a) The board may deny a license or refuse to renew a license or may suspend or revoke a license or may impose probationary conditions if the licensee has been found guilty of unprofessional conduct that has endangered or is likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public. Unprofessional conduct includes:

(1) Obtaining a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts;

(2) Being found guilty of fraud or deceit in connection with his or her services rendered as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant;

(3) Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of "no contest" shall be conclusive evidence that a felony or misdemeanor was committed;

(4) Violating any lawful order, rule, or regulation rendered or adopted by the board;

(5) Failing to report, in writing, to the board any disciplinary decision issued against the licensee or the applicant in another jurisdiction within thirty (30) days of the disciplinary decisions;

(6) Violating any provision of this chapter; and

(7) Providing services to a person who is making a claim as a result of a personal injury, who charges or collects from the person any amount in excess of the reimbursement to the occupational therapist by the insurer as a condition of providing or continuing to provide services or treatment.

(b) A denial, refusal to renew, suspension, revocation, or imposition of probationary conditions upon the license may be ordered by the board or the director of the department of health after a hearing in the manner provided by the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42.

(c) The American Occupational Therapy Association's "Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics" is adopted as a public statement of the values and principles used in promoting and maintaining high standards of behavior in occupational therapy. These state:

(1) Occupational therapy personnel shall demonstrate a concern for the well-being of the recipients of their services;

(2) Occupational therapy personnel shall respect the rights of the recipients of their services;

(3) Occupational therapy personnel shall achieve and continually maintain high standards of competence;

(4) Occupational therapy personnel shall comply with laws and association policies guiding the profession of occupational therapy;

(5) Occupational therapy personnel shall provide accurate information about occupational therapy services; and

(6) Occupational therapy personnel shall treat colleagues and other professionals with fairness, discretion, and integrity.

History of Section. (P.L. 1984, ch. 356, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 465, § 6.)