Ron, The debate about upper extremity and lower extremity is frustrating to me. Language AOTA's model definition of OT practice does not divide up the body, nor do state licensure laws which legally define the OT scope of practice. We receive many scope of practice questions at AOTA and publish responses in AOTA's Scope of Practice Issue Update. Below I've pasted a Q&A that addresses the question about the "upper body vs. lower body" issue.
Chuck Willmarth Director, State Affairs AOTA http://www.aota.org/members/area4/links/scope0107.asp?PLACE=/members/area4/links/scope0107.asp#7 QUESTION: I am looking for some clarification of the OT scope of practice. I am an OT/CHT, working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. I'm interested in obtaining credentials to administer functional capacity evaluations (FCEs). My employer feels that because I am an OT I would only be able to complete FCEs for upper-extremity injuries. I believe that I should be able to complete any FCE, including those resulting from spine or lower-extremity injuries. Does my employer have the right to limit my scope of practice? ANSWER: A profession's scope of practice is legally defined in its state licensure law (in a state with licensure). In addition to language in the practice act, competency to provide an intervention is critical and is based on educational background (OT curriculum as well as continuing education [CE]) and clinical experience. Language in state practice acts is usually quite broad and will not identify specific interventions, so practitioners often need to interpret scope-related questions based on the considerations previously cited, as well as what is "usual and customary" practice for occupational therapy practitioners in most environments. You may find the CE article "Understanding and Asserting the Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice" in the October 17, 2005, issue of OT Practice helpful in responding to these issues. Here is the link for information on how to obtain the article: http://www.aota.org/featured/area3/links/i-index.asp There is no arbitrary division between OT and PT in terms of treating the upper versus the lower body. It is a function of educational background and, for OT, a focus on occupational performance in the intervention plan and goals. Many OTs work in industrial rehabilitation and perform FCEs on clients with back injuries. However, adequate training in administering and interpreting FCEs, as well as musculoskeletal knowledge about the spine and related injuries, are necessary to do this competently. Many relevant courses are available to obtain the appropriate knowledge and skills to provide this service. AOTA members can also subscribe (as a free member benefit) to the Work Program Special Interest Section listserv and post questions, as well as request resources in this practice area. Go to the AOTA Web site at www.aota.org and click on Listservs. After login, select as many listservs as you wish and specify how you would like to receive the postings. >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1/11/2007 10:01 AM >>> I know that not ever U.S. OT has the same experiences that I have. But, I hope someone will explain to me why almost every place that I go, OT is practiced as UE PT or some timid profession and yet we have a national organization that neither supports nor condones these practices. I've said for many years that there's great disparity between what we SAY we do and what we really do. But, WHY???? Thanks, Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ************************************************************************************** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
