Bill Text: NH SB594 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relative to certification requirements for speech pathologists and relative to the use of ultrasound or electrical physical agent modalities by occupational therapists.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-09-23 - Died on Table [SB594 Detail]
Download: New_Hampshire-2020-SB594-Amended.html
SB 594 - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
03/05/2020 0628s
2020 SESSION
20-2752
06/10
SENATE BILL 594
SPONSORS: Sen. Reagan, Dist 17; Sen. French, Dist 7; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Rep. McGuire, Merr. 29
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill provides that licensed speech-language pathologists are exempt from the certification requirements for speech-language specialists. This bill also limits the use of ultrasound and electrical physical agent modalities by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/05/2020 0628s 20-2752
06/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Certain Certification Requirements for Speech-language Specialists. Amend RSA 189:14-e, II to read as follows:
II. Speech-language pathologists licensed pursuant to RSA 326-F and 328-F shall [automatically meet] be exempt from certification requirements under this section.
2 Occupational Therapists; Rulemaking. Amend RSA 326-C:7 to read as follows:
326-C:7 Rulemaking. The board shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A specifying:
I. [The physical agent modalities which may be applied as an adjunct to, or in preparation for, engagement in purposeful activities and occupations;
II. The eligibility requirements to be met by licensees seeking a certificate authorizing the application of physical agent modalities;
III. The documentation required by the board for the issuance of a certificate authorizing a licensee to apply physical agent modalities;
IV.] The requirements for supervision of licensed occupational therapy assistants by licensed occupational therapists; and
[V.] II. The use and supervision of non-licensed persons providing supportive services to licensed occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.
3 Occupational Therapists; Physical Agent Modalities RSA 326-C:8 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
326-C:8 Physical Agent Modalities.
I. An occupational therapist who is licensed under this chapter and who has been trained may utilize occupational therapy techniques involving ultrasound or electrical physical agent modality devices. The application of ultrasound and electrical physical agent modality devices shall be limited to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand to restore and enhance upper extremity function.
II. An occupational therapy assistant who is licensed under this chapter may apply ultrasound or electrical physical agent modality devices if he or she:
(a) Works under the direct supervision of a qualified occupational therapist who is licensed under this chapter;
(b) Has been trained to utilize occupational therapy techniques involving ultrasound or electrical agent modality devices; and
(c) Limits the application of ultrasound and electrical physical agent modality devices to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand to restore and enhance upper extremity function.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
