Occupational therapy.

Senator McNerney's proposal to modify California's Occupational Therapy Practice Act would extend the required retention period for client records from seven to ten years following discharge. The legislation maintains existing documentation requirements for occupational therapists, including evaluations, goals, treatment plans, and treatment summaries.

The measure preserves current provisions for records of unemancipated minors, which must be maintained for at least one year after the minor reaches age 18 and no less than seven years overall. Occupational therapy assistants would continue documenting services provided, with both therapists and assistants required to sign client records legibly.

The California Board of Occupational Therapy would oversee implementation of the revised retention schedule through its existing regulatory framework. Healthcare facilities and occupational therapy practices would need to adjust their record management systems to accommodate the longer retention period, while the board would update its compliance monitoring procedures accordingly.