Occupational Therapy License Lookup by State: Verify OT Status

Licensure for occupational therapy (OT) professionals in the United States is a fundamental regulatory requirement that ensures practitioners possess the advanced clinical reasoning and specialized skills necessary to help patients regain functional independence. Occupational Therapists (OTRs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) are trained to address complex physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Mandatory state licensure guarantees that a professional has completed an accredited master's or doctoral program, fulfilled rigorous supervised clinical fieldwork, and passed a national certfication exam. This oversight ensures that only individuals who meet strict educational and ethical benchmarks are permitted to design and implement interventions for high-risk populations, such as those recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or orthopedic surgeries

The risks of receiving care from an unlicensed practitioner are profound and can lead to exacerbating existing injuries or creating new, irreversible damage. Without the medical background of a licensed professional, a patient may be subjected to improper rehabilitation techniques, unsafe physical transfers, or the incorrect use of assistive devices, which can result in falls, fractures, or permanent loss of mobility. Furthermore, unlicensed individuals lack the training to monitor for signs of secondary complications - such as skin breakdown or autonomic dysreflexia - and operate without the ethical accountability provided by State Occupational Therapy Boards. To protect themselves, consumers should utilize free license verification tools offered by state regulatory authorities. These public databases (listed below) provide "Primary Source Verification," allowing individuals to confirm a practitioner's active status, credentials, and any history of disciplinary action. Accessing these tools is an essential step in ensuring that therapy is both safe and effective.