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Board to monitor SB 813 spot bill and AB 277 autism—ill; staff to contact sponsor offices
Summary
The board learned SB 813 had been introduced as a spot bill and was likely to be amended away from occupational therapy; staff and the board agreed to monitor the bill and to contact sponsor offices. Members also noted AB 277 (behavioral technician/background check requirement) would be watched for potential effects on licensed therapists.
At its March 7 meeting the California Board of Occupational Therapy discussed two pieces of pending legislation and instructed staff to monitor sponsor amendments.
Board members and association representatives reviewed Senate Bill 813, introduced by Senator Jerry McNerney, which in its initial form would have extended patient-record retention from seven years to ten years following client discharge (and longer where the patient was a minor). Staff reported the measure appears to be a "spot bill," meaning its language is expected to be amended. "The plan was to amend the spot bill so that it will no longer relate to occupational therapists," a staff member relayed, citing communications from OTAC's lobbyist. Board staff and OTAC greed to continue watching SB 813 and to contact the sponsor's office for clarification if needed.
Separately, members raised AB 277 (described in the meeting as a bill regarding behavioral technicians and criminal-background checks). OTAC reported that the bill initially included language that could have swept in licensed practitioners; the sponsor's office said it would amend the bill to exempt already-licensed practitioners who have undergone fingerprinting and background checks. Board members said they would monitor AB 277 and watch for amendments that might affect occupational therapists or their workplaces.
No formal position was adopted on either bill at the March 7 meeting; the board recorded staff direction to "watch" the measures and to reach out to legislative offices for clarification if amendments cross the floor.
Ending: Staff will continue to track SB 813 and AB 277, and the board asked staff to notify stakeholders if the bills are amended in ways that would affect occupational therapy practice or licensing requirements.
