So how do we know who does what? OT/OTA/OT aide-foundations blog

     The Scope of Practice is the "model" for how the state views our field and it guides them in their laws and legislation's.  It has no legal control, it is just a guide for the states to follow.  When each state is forming their specific laws and legislation's they will consult the Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy, which will describe the minimal standards of practice for professional responsibility, screening, reevaluation, intervention and outcomes.  States can as well use The Guidelines for Supervision, Roles, and Responsibilities During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy, this will outline the supervision for OT personnel.  It is important to keep in mind that each state uses these as a guide only, and will develop from these the roles and supervision of the OTA's and aides and  are delineated by state regulations.  The state as well regulates how the OT is  legally responsible for the services provided by the OTA and Aide underneath them. So I look at it as an umbrella.  The Scope of Practice is the top of the umbrella, then falls the Standards of Practice, then The Guidelines, and these have no legal ramifications.  From the above umbrella, each state will develop their expectations for the OT, OTA, and OT aide!  These will be legal documents, and can and will be reinforced!