Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB959

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/24
• Refer: 1/16/24
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The Occupational Therapy Examining Board. (FE)

Impact

The changes in regulatory oversight detailed in AB959 signal a significant shift in how occupational therapy will be governed in Wisconsin. By creating an independent Occupational Therapy Examining Board, the state is likely aiming for a more focused approach to addressing the unique aspects of occupational therapy practice without the potential conflicts or complexities of being attached to a larger medical board. This independence may lead to more nuanced regulations tailored specifically for occupational therapy, which could improve the quality of services provided to the public.

Summary

Assembly Bill 959 aims to rename the Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board to the Occupational Therapy Examining Board in the state of Wisconsin. This bill proposes to detach the board from the Medical Examining Board while retaining its duties and responsibilities for licensing occupational therapists and therapy assistants, setting professional standards, and performing disciplinary actions. By passing this legislation, the state seeks to streamline and enhance the regulatory processes within the occupational therapy profession, potentially allowing for better responsiveness to the profession's specific needs.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to enhance the regulatory framework for occupational therapists, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight without the collaborative benefits that come from being part of the Medical Examining Board. Some stakeholders might fear that removing the board from the medical umbrella could lead to less rigorous standards or a lack of necessary support for handling complex interprofessional issues involving various healthcare disciplines. Thus, discussions around AB959 may revolve around finding the right balance between specialized oversight and collaborative health service delivery.