Bill > A05474

This bill amends the New York education law to authorize and establish guidelines for providing occupational therapy services to students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Specifically, the bill allows school districts to offer occupational therapy to students with occupational impairments that do not negatively impact their educational performance but do create challenges in home or community functioning. The bill defines occupational therapy services as screening, evaluation, consultation, treatment, and interventions delivered by licensed occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants. Students with impairments that do adversely affect educational performance will be referred to the committee on special education for further evaluation. The bill also directs the commissioner of education to issue guidance memorandums to school districts about occupational therapy services, including information about early intervention and mental health-related services. Additionally, the commissioner is required to update regulations regarding pupil personnel services to include licensed occupational therapists and establish qualification requirements for school occupational therapists. The provisions of this bill will take effect 120 days after it becomes law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5474