Florida Healthcare Providers Alert

House Bill 975, Background Screening and Certifications, passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, establishing background screening requirements.  For more information, visit the state’s page with more details and a step by step explanation of the process: https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/

Per biennium, Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants are required to complete a total of twenty-six (26) CE hours.

• A minimum of fourteen (14) hours of must be Live, defined as in person or from interactive courses that allow or require the licensee to interact in real time, including live chat, with the instructor during the presentation of the program.
• A maximum of twelve (12) hours can be completed through Home Study. Home Study education is a self-paced, non-interactive independent study that requires a certificate of completion. (Taking courses on our site is considered home study). Continuing education credit for video presentations is limited to five (5) credits per subject.


Required Subject Areas:

• 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors (must be a Florida OT Board approved course) 
• 2 hours in Florida Laws and Rules (must be a Florida OT Board approved course) 

For First Renewals Only:

• 1 hour of HIV/AIDS (any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is acceptable)

NOTE: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2024 through to 02/28/2025) are exempt from the 26 hours of general continuing education. However, you are required to complete 3 hours, consisting of the 1 hour of HIV/AIDS and the 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors.

Renewal Information: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/renewals/