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Occupational therapy licenses in Georgia expire on March 31, 2012. Each licensee is required to complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) continuing education hours prior to the expiration date of the license. At least sixteen (16) hours must be related to direct “hands on” patient care and up to eight (8) hours may be in related areas. A minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education must be on the ethics of occupational therapy practice.

Direct patient care continuing education includes attendance at live presentations such as workshops, seminars, conferences or formal academic course work. For purposes of these rules direct “hands on” patient care includes occupational therapy assessment, treatment planning, occupational therapy implementation and diagnostic related information. Up to four (4) hours can be obtained by means of in-service educational programs, electronic or web based courses, formal self-study courses or computer learning activities.

General continuing education includes up to four (4) hours for each of the following activities including independent study, mentorship, Level II fieldwork supervision, published professional writing, instructional presentations, research, grants, professional meetings and related activities and up to four (4) hours can be by means of in-service educational programs, electronic or web based courses, formal self-study courses, satellite broadcasts or computer learning activities.

Of the twenty-four (24) hours, no more than eight (8) continuing education hours may be in self-study and no more than four (4) hours in the area of general continuing education.

Prior approval of continuing education courses is not required. Each licensee randomly selected for a CE audit must submit to the Board supporting documentation as specified in this rule. Acceptable professional continuing education activities shall include activities relevant to occupational therapy practice that can be deemed to update or enhance knowledge and skills required for competent performance beyond general entry level occupational therapy and that include a verifiable way to document time spent in the learning activity.

Documentation of continuing education which the Board deems as acceptable proof of completion include the following:

For continuing education courses that include attendance and participation at a presentation such as a workshop, seminar, conference or in-service educational program:

• A certificate of completion or similar documentation signed by program official and
• A program description including sponsor, course title, date, program objective/learning outcomes, content description, agenda or schedule. A shortened description may be accepted for programs specifically exempted by the Board such as AOTA and GOTA Conferences; and

Formal self study, viewing of videotapes in a professional setting, satellite broadcasts, or computer learning activities that must include:

• Verified instructional time by the course sponsor; a certificate of completion or similar documentation signed by program official; and
• A program description including sponsor, course title, date, program objective/learning outcomes, content description.

For general education under 671-3-.08(3)(b) documentation must include:

• How activity relates to occupational therapy;
• Date and clock hours;
• Other information as may be requested.

Documentation must be maintained by the licensee for no less than three (3) years from the beginning date of the licensure period.

Continuing Education (CE) hours obtained from January 1st until March 31st of an even numbered year will be counted toward the following biennium renewal period rather than the current biennium renewal period if the licensee has obtained all hours required for renewal by December 31st of the prior odd numbered year.

Professional Development Resources is an AOTA approved provider of continuing education (#3159). The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. Georgia OTs may earn up to 8 hours per renewal through coursework offered at http://www.pdresources.org/Courses/Occupational-Therapy/Online/CourseID/1/