Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I contact the board?

Address : 237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217-3858

Phone:  478-207-2440

Facsimile: 866-888-7127

Web Address:  www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/ot

2. I am currently certified by NBCOT, can I become licensed in Georgia?

Yes, if you meet the licensure requirements.  You must hold a valid license issued by the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy in order to practice in Georgia

3. I currently hold a license in another state; can I practice in Georgia using my out of state license?

You cannot use your out of state license to practice in Georgia.  You must hold a valid license issued by the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy in order to practice in Georgia. 

4. What are the qualifications for licensure in Georgia?

You must submit a completed application with the required nonrefundable application fee and meet the following requirements. Please review the Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule for all fee requirements.

• Demonstrate you are of good moral character by submitting two professional references from a certified or licensed OT and one personal reference.
• Successfully completed the academic requirements of a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or the World Federation of Occupational Therapists upon evaluation of program and course content;
• Successfully completed a period of supervised field work experience
• Successfully pass the examination and submit proof of either
• exam scores directly from Professional Examination Service (PES), which can be contacted at 212-367-4340 or
• verification of certification from the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), which can be contacted at 301-990-7979 X3131.
• Submit verification of license of current state licensure.
• If you were internationally trained you must contact NBCOT at 301-990-7979 for International Approval Letter and/or Visa Letter

5. Can I use physical agent modalities if I have a Georgia License?

To be able to use physical agent modalities or any occupational therapy techniques involving physical agent modalities, you must first have an additional board approved certification.

6. How do I get a certification from the board to use physical agent modalities?

You must currently hold a Georgia OT or OTA license (not a limited permit) and have completed the Physical Agent Modalities Board Application (which can be downloaded from the website) showing the following:

• Successfully complete a minimum of 90 contact hours of instruction or training in the required content areas
• No less than 36 contact hours must be directly related to the specific theories and practical application of physical agent modalities
• Please review all Georgia Occupational Therapy Laws and Rules before submitting a completed application.

7. When will I get my license?

Once your application is complete and all the supporting documents have been received, your application file will be reviewed within fifteen (15) working days. If you meet the requirements and there is no grounds for denial, you will then receive your license.

8. How will I know if I have been issued a license?

There are several ways to determine if you have been issued a license.  First, the board office will mail you a pocket card of your license once it has been issued.  Second, the web site has a database of all licensees, which you can search to see if you are licensed.  Finally, you may call the office and we will search the database to see if you are licensed.
 

9. Who can receive a limited permit license to practice in Georgia?

The Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy may issue a limited permit license to a person who has completed the educational and experience requirements and are awaiting to sit and pass the NBCOT examination.  Please refer to the Georgia Occupational Therapy Law §43-28-12 (B) for further details.

10. How can I change my address?

Address changes can be completed on the Board’s website or you may also mail or fax in your request to the Board office.  You must include your Occupational Therapy license number and a telephone number in case there are any questions.  The Occupational Therapy Board’s fax number is 478-207-1633.

11. How can I request a name change on my license?

In order for the Board to change a name in the system you must submit to the Board a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.  A copy of your driver’s license or social security card is not acceptable. If you would like a new pocket card printed, please submit the $25.00 required fee.  After the payment has been processed, you should receive a new pocket card within fifteen (15) working days.  Please review the Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule for all fee requirements.

12.  I lost my pocket card, how can I receive a duplicate?

Please submit a written request to the Board asking that a duplicate card be mailed to you.  Include your name, address, license number and the appropriate $25.00 fee.  Please review the Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule for all fee requirements.

13.  Once I am licensed, what are the Continuing Education Requirements?

The Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy requires each licensed OT and OTA to complete continuing education.  A minimum 24 contact clock hours of continuing education is required for renewal.  Sixteen of the hours must relate to direct “hands on” patient care.  Up to 8 hours can be obtained using on-line or home-study courses.  The remaining hours may be in any contact area related to occupational therapy practice including but not limited to supervision, education, documentation, quality assurance, and administration. The Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy requires each licensed OT and OTA to complete up to 2 hours in Ethics, every two years or per each renewal period.  Please refer to Rule 671-3-.08- Renewal of License/Penalties/Continuing Education Requirements for additional information.

14. How often does my license expire?

All OT and OTA licenses expires on March 31st   of all even years.   You are responsible for renewing your license during the renewal period.

15. Can an OTA work in the facility when an OT is not physically in the building. 

Yes, an OTA can work while the OT is not physically present in the building.   Please refer to Rules 671-2-.02 – Supervision Defined and 671-2-.03- Direct Supervision Defined for additional information.

16. Does the OT need to co-sign every SOAP note that an OTA writes weekly?

This is determined by the facilities policy and the reimbursing agent’s policy.   Please review both policies for further information.

17. How do I obtain approval to offer a Continuing Education Course?

The Board no longer pre-approves any continuing education courses or continuing education providers.  If you are interested in offering a CE course, please contact the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association (GOTA) at 1-770-435-5910 or view their website www.gaota.com .

18. Do I need a referral or prescription from a physician to provide occupational therapy to students within a school setting? 

Please review the American Occupational Therapy Association’s website (www.aota.org) for their guidelines and procedures.  In addition, review your school’s policy and procedures on providing occupational therapy services to students within the school systems. 

For information on Guidelines and Supervision, please refer to Rule’s 671-2.02, 671-2.03, 671-2.04 and O.C.G.A. §43-28-3. In addition, please refer to the AOTA Guidelines, which can be viewed at www.aota.org.