California OT board backs shortening cooling-off period for public members from five to three years

The California Board of Occupational Therapy voted May 3 to support AB 2269, a bill that would reduce the exclusion period that prevents individuals with recent licensee relationships from serving as public members on licensing boards from five years to three. The board approved the position on a motion from a member of the board’s committee, seconded on the floor, and recorded the decision with a roll-call vote.

Board members said shortening the window would help recruitment of informed public members while still protecting consumers from conflicts of interest. In the committee report presented to the board, staff noted the change would help “recruit public members who are knowledgeable” about licensing issues and practical concerns. The committee recommended a formal position of support, and the full board moved to adopt that recommendation.

The motion was moved and seconded; the board took a formal roll-call vote and the motion carried. Following the vote, the board directed its executive officer and staff to prepare and send a letter of support to the bill authors.

The board’s action was procedural: the vote instructs staff to communicate the board’s support to legislators. No regulatory changes take effect unless the Legislature enacts AB 2269 and the governor signs it. The board’s letter will provide the Legislature with the board’s rationale and reasoning for its position.