[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6541915,"mediaKeyId","3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f","parentId",3846314,"title","Board approves continuing‑competency requirement including jurisprudence and culturally relevant practice","audioSeconds",4425,"startMs",4009000,"endMs",8434000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f&start=4009&end=8434","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f/thumbnail_4009000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6541915/California/Board-approves-continuingcompetency-requirement-including-jurisprudence-and-culturally-relevant-practice","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541915-4baeb151c99c9b60c51a1d75bb14f127/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=OFbiaY3hHdgkQeL7zCfBovv2xHr88hn1PZ3R223ck~8woRJh4755rlfIUAV1lXkKxWfdpSMs0x31-YP38kP0pnrefLVBWYVCZhSipb7LAT3WuA4Y9GKgj-XQCF64h2gpbbRftTYfxPHV-UP3lHZZm6iAx6MQKoBarovki23StlcLJ3NwJlsXjU4~gT0l0s9HfI9EcSd~5hLW4YfQ7Cpxm4H32nX9mgB0otpgkquH~ppNJaG2NO0zvssmk0msF7KwCbmOfSELJtY6CKUX0ZgNFckm0hdfnINGggjGsoLUa~Otta2pFlB-JM7Jz6jNGlNexAqqSp4-TVVftwg43D820w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Respiratory Care Board of California","date","2025-06-16T18:20:45.313Z","article","The California Board of Occupational Therapy voted unanimously on June 13 to initiate rulemaking that will add a specific continuing‑competency requirement to the board’s renewal rules: for licenses renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2027, licensees must complete a minimum of 24 professional development units (PDUs) per renewal period, with a required minimum of 2 PDUs in ethics and health care, 1 PDU pertaining to laws and regulations (jurisprudence), and 1 PDU addressing culturally relevant practice/sociocultural factors or working with diverse populations.

The board approved the version labeled \"Option 1,\" amended during the meeting to clarify the wording and to relocate related provisions so requirements are easy for licensees and auditors to find. The final amended motion directs staff to submit the proposed text to DCA for review and, if no adverse comments appear during the 45‑day public comment period, to initiate formal rulemaking. The vote was 4–0.

Why it matters
Board members said the measure responds to earlier discussion about whether to require a jurisprudence exam or a continuing‑education requirement. The board and staff concluded a continuing‑education requirement including a jurisprudence component is clearer to administer and allows time for course development. Board members also sought language that helps licensees and course providers readily identify qualifying coursework.

Key points from debate and public comment
Staff explained two draft options at the meeting: Option 1 (the adopted approach) requires all three named topics; Option 2 would have required ethics and allowed licensees to choose between jurisprudence and a culturally relevant practice module. Several board members said they preferred Option 1 because it ensures all licensees receive instruction on California law and on ethics. Regulations counsel and staff worked through several wording edits to reduce ambiguity — for example, moving the phrase \"a minimum of\" to the header for the subsection and adding \"and\" to make the list of required PDUs explicit.

Members of the public and representatives of the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTEC) supported the change and offered to develop jurisprudence coursework. \"OTEC is very happy to do that,\" Samia Rafidi, OTEC president, said during public comment. Educational program representatives stressed the need for clear, accessible descriptions so licensees can find qualifying courses offered by common continuing‑education vendors.

Other regulatory clarifications
The board also approved clarifying language stating that short open‑session meetings that are principally closed session (for example, limited open time followed by a closed‑session executive‑officer appointment) will not qualify for PDUs; staff will place a notice on agendas for such meetings. The board clarified how partial credit and prorated first renewals will work: if a first renewal occurs more than one year after initial licensure, the licensee must complete half the PDUs (12) for that first renewal period.

Next steps and timing
Staff will submit the amended text to the director of DCA and the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency for review. If the package proceeds without adverse comment and no hearing is requested, the board authorized its executive officer to finalize the rulemaking. The package will be subject to a 45‑day public comment period and, if revised, a subsequent 15‑day comment period for technical changes.

Ending
Board members said the requirement gives licensees time to complete needed coursework before the 2027 effective date and that the public comment process will allow course providers and stakeholders to suggest refinements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The Occupational Therapy Board of California Meeting - June 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board voted 4–0 to require, for renewals on or after Jan. 1, 2027, a minimum of 2 PDUs in ethics and health care, 1 PDU in jurisprudence (laws and regulations), and 1 PDU covering culturally relevant practice/sociocultural factors or working with diverse populations.","taxTitle","Respiratory Care Board of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California","taxId",76751,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6541920,"California occupational-therapy board OKs rulemaking to raise renewal fees to $300",3838,205000,4043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f&start=205&end=4043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f/thumbnail_205000.jpg","/articles/6541920/California/California-occupational-therapy-board-OKs-rulemaking-to-raise-renewal-fees-to-300","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541920-a62400c90db1a96b9c78f707d251c17e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=JGB0-xFc0tlxPwtGHHHhjGj7~fnhOHIHi7vVsAknoMjIAyf02A92jFBRZmcCo28Aim01V9c52j8iqvpjYYgRIXRuY5-LoPDzbkDhPXqaCw2j11n3e5r6jPcibNyeIaZ3P~Cvd~5C9lasZoyAX1wFVqeChO3i3LStkR1AI9yIchqeMtlGc4UHCqS-CvZQaRdjdn~32WssGR~FuUTDNHxn-QPsUgHngWEgvvXrfS6d8~SqPoTy5P5016rCY95dJ2Fv7B1AGz2paCfAlbkESwnjamfYc-tULKDwOFhJqLazFILr3Rn-3IjMFJGEfhl0P4Dt0LIXMvbVBmnNDB~TdVCf0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","California Board of Occupational Therapy members voted unanimously on June 13 to initiate a rulemaking package to raise biennial renewal fees for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to $300, the board's statutory cap.

The board approved the regulatory language and a clerical correction to the draft package in two motions after discussion with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Budget Office. The vote on the final amended motion was 4–0 in favor.

Board members and DCA budget staff said the change is intended to stabilize the board fund, which has been running a thin reserve and faces a structural imbalance between ongoing revenues and expenditures.

DCA budget analysts presented scenarios showing that the board’s projected workload cost to process a single license renewal is $312 — above the $300 statutory cap — and that without fee changes the fund could run negative in later years. \"The board finds that its cost is $312 exceeding the statutory fee cap of $300,\" Sam Dyer, DCA budget office, said during the presentation. He and Matt Nishamini described three scenarios: a modest increase keeping OTA renewal lower than OT renewal (OT $300, OTA $240), raising both renewals to the $300 caps, and a scenario that would leave OTA below cap to retain a lower entry barrier.

Why it matters: the board supports its operations mainly with licensing revenue. DCA projected the board would end fiscal 2024–25 with about $1.305 million — roughly 4.6 months in reserve — down from roughly 5.1 months in reserve in 2023–24, and warned personal-service cost increases and other unanticipated events could further pressure the fund.

Board discussion and public comments
Board members and DCA staff discussed trade-offs between keeping OTA renewal fees lower to reduce barriers to entry and maximizing statutory caps to strengthen arguments for a future legislative increase at the board’s sunset review. \"The traditional way to raise a program's statutory fee cap is through their legislative sunset review, and this board sunset is scheduled for 2026,\" Sam Dyer said. Matt Nishamini added: \"If you were to increase both the OTA and the OTs to 300 to the statutory cap, that would be looked on more favorably by the legislature when you go through your sunset process.\" He said reaching statutory caps shows the board has taken available regulatory steps before asking the Legislature for higher statutory limits.

Public commenters representing the Occupational Therapy Association of California and education programs said they understood the fiscal rationale but raised concerns about cost burdens. Samia Rafidi, president of the Occupational Therapy Association of California, said a $300 fee would represent a small percentage of typical practitioner earnings and argued the level is \"balanced\" but warned higher fees could reduce association membership. Ada Boone Hurl, Sacramento City College program director, and other OTA commenters asked for clear, accessible messaging explaining the rationale and how the increases would be implemented.

Board action and next steps
The board directed staff to submit the amended regulatory text for section 41.30 to the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency for review. If no adverse comments are received during the 45‑day public comment period, the board authorized the executive officer to initiate the rulemaking process, make non‑substantive edits, and proceed to adoption if no hearing is requested.

Matt Nishamini and Sam Dyer said the board would target a July 1, 2026, effective date for any regulatory fee change if the rulemaking proceeds on the agency schedule. They emphasized that a statutory cap increase (which would require legislative action during the board’s sunset review) would not itself change fee levels without separate regulatory action.

Ending
The board approved the rulemaking to raise renewal fees to the statutory cap unanimously. Staff said they will return with the formal rulemaking materials and that DCA will continue to monitor the board’s fund condition and provide ongoing budget guidance.","The California Board of Occupational Therapy voted unanimously to initiate rulemaking to raise biennial renewal fees for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to the $300 statutory cap, citing a structural fund imbalance and a per-license processing cost that exceeds current fees.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6541910,"DCA budget office presents board fund condition; projects thin reserves without changes",639,254000,893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f&start=254&end=893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846314-91d1eef2ed811e35474df348a36e349f/thumbnail_254000.jpg","/articles/6541910/California/DCA-budget-office-presents-board-fund-condition-projects-thin-reserves-without-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541910-a2a4fbb99410bf10f156a59315d45951/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=k2Wf5qVQG~xdu5stS~rIUjXGp1wFgFaUoGNKMLoukHoF6XHGWr7gXoknSJgNYrG1FTb3-kvUUjQFFsZoFpQ9MUbSi2hGibqei2ioHg3sv1U1H-lbL3i7BmaujVX3M0Tp0wtHOhjPsF1lAHLrQBn3MSvNu1uA8H0LIXCZzLp9Gspxv1z-d3HDRSvP8rqqRXw5nQdG-gw9-3zVmRnsvdM6Wu7k2Y5rWnE8EV9vH4pJZ7WwFytUhwcIL72SUodfT8bFVW3kyQhJ0UXuF512fVziEP9Bm6T7svHzGBUU9urKwOfsHwutHGvZuDbYUWfRI1yYfmFTN-ARPYRKfkBg2~-vaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DCA Budget Office analysts presented the board’s expenditure and revenue projections on June 13 and told members that personal‑service cost increases and other unanticipated events are the primary drivers of projected expenditure growth.

Kayla Van Lint, a budget analyst with the DCA Budget Office, reviewed the board’s fund condition and revenue documents before the board. She said the board had a beginning 2023–24 balance of $1,489,000, collected $3,173,000 in revenues that year (including $466,000 from initial license fees and $2,497,000 from renewals), and expended $3,157,000, leaving about $1.5 million (roughly 5.1 months) in reserve. For 2024–25 the office projected revenues of about $3,325,000 and total expenditures of approximately $3,525,000, leaving a projected balance near $1,305,000 (about 4.6 months in reserve).

Van Lint and colleagues told the board they include a conservative ongoing 3% annual increase in expenditures on the fund‑condition statement to account for salary and retirement rate adjustments. They also explained how DCA provides centralized services to boards through a pro rata methodology — allocating shared costs such as HR, legal, call center and investigations based on drivers like authorized positions and call volumes.

Budget office role and cautions
The budget office emphasized that the fund condition is a snapshot in time. Staff cautioned that any future legislation or unanticipated events could create additional cost pressure and that the board should plan accordingly. \"Any future legislation or unanticipated events could result in the board's need for additional resources, which would create cost pressure on the fund,\" Van Lint said.

Board engagement
Board members asked for clarifications about the fund‑condition assumptions and whether other revenue sources (for example probation‑monitoring fees) were in place; staff replied that probation‑monitoring fees were not currently in place and may require statutory authority. DCA staff said they would continue to monitor the fund condition and work with board executive staff to identify savings and any further actions required.

Ending
Budget staff closed by offering to answer questions and said they will continue to monitor the fund and keep lines of communication open with board staff as rulemaking and other budget decisions proceed.","DCA budget office staff reviewed the California Board of Occupational Therapy’s fund condition and revenue projections, showing that current expenditures and projected salary and retirement increases create ongoing pressure on reserves and noting the board may need fee or statutory changes to remain solvent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves continuing‑competency requirement including jurisprudence and culturally relevant practice

California occupational-therapy board OKs rulemaking to raise renewal fees to $300

DCA budget office presents board fund condition; projects thin reserves without changes