37-24-105. Use of superficial physical agent modalities. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person may not use occupational therapy techniques involving superficial physical agent modalities unless the person:
     (a) is a licensed occupational therapist under this chapter;
     (b) limits application of superficial agent modalities to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand; and
     (c) has successfully completed 16 hours of instruction or training in superficial physical agent modalities and documents competency, as approved by the board, in the following areas:
     (i) principles of physics related to specific properties of light, water, temperature, sound, or electricity, as indicated by selected modalities;
     (ii) physiological, neurophysiological, and electrophysiological changes that occur as a result of the application of selected modalities;
     (iii) the response of normal and abnormal tissue to the application of selected modalities;
     (iv) indications and contraindications related to the selection and application of the modality;
     (v) guidelines for the treatment or administration of the modality within the philosophical framework of occupational therapy;
     (vi) guidelines for educating the patient, including information about risks and benefits of the occupational therapy techniques;
     (vii) safety rules and precautions related to the selected modalities;
     (viii) methods for documenting the effectiveness and immediate and long-term effects of treatment in relation to task-oriented activities; and
     (ix) characteristics of and guidelines for the use of therapy equipment, including safe operation, adjustment, and care and maintenance of the equipment.
     (2) A certified occupational therapy assistant who works under the direct supervision of a qualified occupational therapist may apply superficial physical agent modalities to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 297, L. 1993.