[Editor's note: This article 270 is in a one-year wind-up period. For further explanation regarding the wind-up period, see the editor's note following the article heading.] (1) Educational and experiential requirements. Every applicant for a license as an occupational therapist must have:
Successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program foroccupational therapists that is offered by an institution of higher education and accredited by a national, regional, or state agency recognized by the United States secretary of education, or another program accredited thereby and approved by the director;
Successfully completed a minimum period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the recognized educational institution where the applicant met the academic requirements described in subsection (1)(a) of this section. The minimum period of fieldwork experience for an occupational therapist is twenty-four weeks of supervised fieldwork experience or satisfaction of any generally recognized past standards that identified minimum fieldwork requirements at the time of graduation.
(2) Application. (a) When an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the applicant may apply for examination and licensure upon payment of a fee in an amount determined by the director. A person who fails an examination may apply for reexamination upon payment of a fee in an amount determined by the director.
(b) The application shall be in the form and manner designated by the director.
Examination. Each applicant shall pass a nationally recognized examination approved by the director that measures the minimum level of competence necessary for public health, safety, and welfare.
Licensure. When an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsections (1) to (3) of this section, the director shall issue a license to the applicant; except that the director may deny a license if the applicant has committed any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-270-114.
Licensure by endorsement. An applicant may obtain licensure by endorsement if the applicant satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.
License renewal. Licenses issued pursuant to this section are subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and (2). Any person whose license expires is subject to the penalties provided in this article 270 or section 12-20-202 (1).
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1396, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: (5) amended, (HB 20-1326), ch. 126, p. 543, § 36, effective June 25.
Editor's note: (1) This section is similar to former § 12-40.5-106 as it existed prior to 2019.
(2) Section 47(1)(b) of chapter 126 (HB 20-1326), Session Laws of Colorado 2020, provides that the act changing this section applies to conduct occurring on or after June 25, 2020.
Cross references: For the short title ("Red Tape Reduction Act") and the legislative declaration in HB 20-1326, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 126, Session Laws of Colorado 2020.