Committee approves bill to allow occupational and physical therapists to seek administrative credentials in schools

The Senate Education Committee voted to advance AB 1009, a bill by Assemblymember Rubio that would make licensed occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) eligible for the administrative services credential used for K‑12 school administrators.

Supporters said the change corrects an “accident of history” that excluded OTs and PTs when credentialing rules were first established and that allowing these clinicians to obtain administrative credentials could reduce turnover and improve school leadership. Dr. Erin Dolan, a registered and licensed occupational therapist and program director at Clovis Community College, said she completed administrative credential coursework but could not obtain the credential because her discipline was not eligible. “We’re losing passionate and highly qualified professionals,” she told the committee. Carl London of the California Physical Therapy Association said more than 90% of surveyed members said the lack of an administrative pathway is contributing to workforce attrition.

Supporters included San Francisco Unified, California School Employees Association, SEIU California, the Association of California School Administrators and SELPA administrators. No opposition witnesses appeared in the hearing record.

Committee members supported the change; the hearing record shows the motion to pass to Senate Appropriations was recorded and the committee later reported the bill out (6‑0 in the committee disposition recorded in the hearing). Sponsors said the bill does not lower professional standards; it opens a pathway for qualified, licensed clinicians who choose to pursue administrative roles.