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Bill would allow occupational therapists to certify need for disabled plates and placards, supporters say it reduces delays
Summary
House Bill 1048 would add occupational therapists to the list of professionals authorized to issue statements for disabled plates or windshield placards. Supporters said the change would reduce referrals and waiting time for patients with mobility limitations.
Representative Terry Violet introduced House Bill 1048 to allow licensed occupational therapists to certify that a patient qualifies for disabled license plates or windshield placards. "House bill 10 48 adds occupational therapists to the list of licensed professionals who can issue a statement so that disabled plates or disabled windshield placards can be obtained by a patient," Violet told the committee.
Dr. Jackie Sample, president of the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association, said occupational therapists regularly evaluate patients’ community mobility and could speed access to parking accommodations. "A large part of that is what we refer to as community mobility, which includes driving, getting to the grocery store, doing errands," Sample said. She also noted occupational therapists work with people of all ages and could assess needs for drivers and caregivers transporting family members.
Committee members asked whether occupational therapists could sign for temporary as well as permanent placards and about the education and licensing of occupational therapists; Sample said occupational therapists hold graduate-level degrees and are trained to assess functional mobility. The bill drew no recorded opposition during the committee hearing.
