Information for Occupational Therapists Providing Supervision

This is intended as a general reference for Occupational Therapists that agree to monitor licensees disciplined by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.

What is the purpose of a monitor?

When a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant is disciplined by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice the Board will often require the licensee to practice for a specified period of time under the supervision of licensed occupational therapist. The monitor ensures the disciplined licensee practices in accordance with Florida Law. The Board often requests the monitor to report periodically during the probation period.

What are the basic qualifications to be a monitor?

• Be a licensed Florida occupational therapist in good standing
• Have no current or past discipline against your license

How does one become a monitor?

When a licensee is ordered by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to practice under supervision, it is the licensee’s responsibility to locate another licensee who is willing and qualified to volunteer their time to assist in this role.

What is a Final Order?

A Final Order is an official legal document issued by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice describing the final resolution to a discipline case. The order describes discipline imposed by the Board and will detail what obligations the licensee is under. The order will also include attachments such as a Stipulation or Administrative Complaint. These attachments provide additional details regarding obligations and the specific violations the licensee committed. The order and attachments specify the supervision required.

Will the monitor need to be approved by the Board before beginning supervision?

Yes. The Board requires the vitae/resume of the monitor to review. The Board Chair will often grant temporary approval of the monitor pending the monitor’s and licensee’s appearance before the Board.

Once I agree to become a monitor what are my duties/responsibilities?

The duties/responsibilities of a monitor will vary as the specific terms are determined on a case by case basis. The monitor should request a copy of the Final Order and attachments from the licensee for specific information regarding the nature of supervision and the monitor’s responsibilities. Although the supervision terms will vary, the following are often required by the Board.

• Monitor reports to the Board periodically during the probation period. (pdf - 16kb)
• Monitor required to randomly select a percentage of the licensee’s patient files for review
• Report to the Board immediately if you believe the licensee is not practicing in accordance with Florida law
• Appear with the licensee at a board meeting at the start and the end of the probation period

Who is responsible for costs incurred by the monitor when appearing at board meetings?

The Board does not provide any direction regarding the travel expenses of the monitor but it is common for the licensee to bear the expenses for the monitors travel.

Do monitors incur any liability in performing their duties?

The regulation of the practice of occupational therapy in Florida is governed by and set forth in Chapter 468, Pt III, Florida Statutes and Rule 64B11, Florida Administrative Code. Violations of the practice act by any licensee subject that licensee to disciplinary action. There is no immunity for a licensee who acts as monitor

What are the HIPAA considerations when viewing patient records?