Effective October 1, 2004, occupational therapists in California can no longer qualify for advanced practice certification utilizing substantially equivalent post-professional education and training, such as work experience, in-services, independent study, etc. To obtain advanced practice certification, applicants must now demonstrate completion of the required number of hours in education and supervised on-the-job training only.

Regulations that identify the requirements for advanced practice certification in hand therapy, physical agent modalities and swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention took effect March 9, 2004. Advanced Practice Certification is required for anyone offering hand therapy, using physical agent modalities, or engaging in swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention.

Therapists who were certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) as of December 31, 2003, automatically qualify for advanced practice certification in hand therapy and physical agent modalities. However, they must submit an application to the Board with a copy of their HTCC certificate.