Stephanie Johnston

The board meeting included the adoption of a public comment regarding access to board meetings and a report on fiscal, legislative, and IT matters. The board also acted on the Investigation Committee's report, which included the approval of several agreed orders and an update on investigative activities. Additionally, the board proposed changes to administrative rules for disciplinary actions, discussed progress on a continuing education tracking system, reviewed a request from the Governor's Office concerning regulatory efficiency, and received updates on occupational therapy regulations and accreditation.

The board meeting focused on several key items, including the proposal of rule changes, specifically an amendment to section 374.1 regarding disciplinary actions to correct a typographical error. The board also addressed various formal disciplinary actions against several occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants for violations such as failure to renew licenses, practicing after license expiration, and improper documentation. Additionally, information was provided to licensees regarding a new licensing system, mandatory human trafficking continuing education requirements, and an alert regarding a scam involving the impersonation of agency investigators.

The board meeting involved the presentation of reports from the Executive Director, Investigation Committee, Education Committee, and Rules & Practice Committee. Key agenda items included the approval of various agreed orders for disciplinary cases, discussions on performance measures and fiscal updates, and review of applications for accredited provider status, NPTE appeals, and foreign-educated applicant educational equivalency. Additionally, the board addressed proposed amendments to licensing procedures and code of conduct rules, reviewed requests for supervised clinical practice exceptions, discussed imaging referral clarifications, and engaged in planning for future meetings.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included the Executive Director's report covering fiscal matters, budgetary concerns, performance measures, personnel, IT, and legislative updates. The Council then approved proposed amendments for publication in the Texas Register concerning exceptions to referral requirements for physical therapy examiners, telehealth informed consent rules, and occupational licensing related to military service members and spouses. Furthermore, approvals were granted for proposed rule changes for occupational therapy examiners related to licensing system transition, disciplinary actions, and detrimental practice. The Council held an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters concerning the Executive Director, after which a motion was passed to adjust the Executive Director's salary upwards.

The meeting commenced with the approval to excuse the absence of one board member. Public comment was heard regarding proposed changes to rules concerning disciplinary actions and detrimental practice. The Executive Director provided a report covering fiscal matters, ongoing projects, IT updates, and agency personnel matters, noting the Licensing Department is no longer short staffed. The Investigation Committee Report included motions to approve several agreed orders for various case numbers. The Board adopted several rule changes related to licensure requirements, display of licenses, license renewal, inactive/retired status, and fees, incorporating changes for military service members, veterans, and spouses due to the agency's new licensing system transition. Further rule adoptions addressed revisions to disciplinary actions and detrimental practice schedules. The Board discussed the development of an RFO/RFP concerning a CE tracking system pursuant to SB 912. Reports were given by the OT Coordinator and the Presiding Officer, which included notes on legislative updates and a neutral position regarding a request from the Texas Medical Board. The Board recessed for an executive session to discuss legal matters related to HB 1522, taking no action in that session, before adjourning.