Audit finds fingerprint and enforcement gaps at Arizona Occupational Therapy Board; committee continues board

Katie Grzbowski of the Auditor General’s office presented findings from the occupational therapy examiners’ sunset review: the board met licensing timeliness in its sample but lacked documentation that it verified applicants’ fingerprint clearance cards as required by statute and delayed action on a renewal application involving a licensee charged with serious criminal conduct.

The audit found the board’s transition to a new licensing system in January 2024 contributed to missing documentation of fingerprint clearances; for several sampled initial and renewal applications, staff did not save evidence that the applicant’s fingerprint clearance card was valid. The auditors also described a case in which an applicant charged with trafficking and other serious offenses was not investigated promptly: the board opened an investigation and entered an interim consent agreement to temporarily suspend the license only several months after becoming aware of the charges, and ultimately denied renewal 691 days after first learning of the violation.

Executive Director Shana Ganatra said the board has implemented 25 recommendations and plans the remainder, accepted the audit as an opportunity to strengthen internal controls and public trust, and said the board will continue follow‑up and corrective actions.

A committee member moved that the panel recommend continuing the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for four years until 07/01/2030 with statutory changes to improve efficiency and oversight. The committee approved the motion by roll call (vote announced as 16 ayes, 0 noes, 3 not voting).