Sec.20-74i-7. Exemption from continued competency requirements

(a) Individuals applying for initial licensure in Connecticut and licensees applying for the first renewal of their license in Connecticut shall be exempt from continued competency requirements.

(b) A waiver of the continued competency requirements may be extended to a licensee who is not engaged in occupational therapy during a given continued competency registration period provided the licensee submits, prior to the expiration of the registration period, a notarized application on a form provided by the department. The application shall contain a statement that the licensee shall not engage in active practice until the licensee has shown proof, to the satisfaction of the department, of completion of the requirements specified in sections 20-74i-1 to 20-74i-8, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(c) The department may, in individual cases involving a medical disability or illness, grant waivers of the minimum continued competency requirements or extensions of time within which to fulfill the same. The application for a waiver or extension of time shall be accompanied by a document signed by a licensed physician detailing the nature of the medical disability or illness. Waivers of the minimum continued competency requirements or extensions of time may be granted by the department for a period not to exceed one (1) year. If the medical disability or illness, upon which a waiver or extension of time is granted continues beyond the period of the waiver or extension of time, the licensee may reapply for an additional waiver or extension of time.

(d) A licensee who has received a waiver, pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, shall submit to the department evidence of successful completion of twelve contact hours for occupational therapists or nine contact hours for occupational therapy assistants within six months after returning to active practice.

(Effective August 22, 1988; Amended December 4, 2009)