§ 4125. Representation.

(a)(1) Unless licensed as an occupational therapist by the Board, a person may not use the professional abbreviations “O.T.” or “O.T./L.,” or refer to themselves as an “Occupational Therapist” or use any other words, letters, symbols, manner, or means with the intent to represent that the person practices or is authorized to practice occupational therapy in California.

(2) Unless licensed as an occupational therapist by the Board, and currently registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), a person may not use the professional abbreviations “O.T.R.,” or “O.T.R./L.,” or refer to themselves as “Occupational Therapist, Registered,” or “Registered Occupational Therapist” or use any other words, letters, symbols, manner, or means, with the intent to represent that the person practices or is authorized to practice occupational therapy in California.

(b)(1) Unless licensed as an occupational therapy assistant, a person may not use the professional abbreviations “O.T.A.,” or “O.T.A./L.,” or refer to themselves as an “Occupational Therapy Assistant,” or use any other words, letters, symbols, manner, or means with the intent to represent that the person practices or is authorized to practice occupational therapy in California.

(2) Unless licensed as an occupational therapy assistant and currently registered with NBCOT, a person may not use the professional abbreviations “C.O.T.A.,” or “C.O.T.A./L.,” or refer to themselves as “Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant,” or use any other words, letters, symbols, manner, or means, with the intent to represent that the person practices or is authorized to practice occupational therapy in California.

(c) Pursuant to section 2570.18 of the Business and Professions Code, the unauthorized representation by an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant constitutes an unfair business practice and false and misleading advertising under Business and Professions Code section 17200 and 17500, respectively, and a violation of section 4170, the Ethical Standards of Practice.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 3-14-2011; operative 4-13-2011 (Register 2011, No. 11).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Section 2570.20, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 2570.3, 2570.18, 17200 and 17500, Business and Professions Code.