✅ Core credentials (per discipline)

• OT (Occupational Therapist)

  • Active Texas OT license from the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE), in good standing.

  • Graduation from an accredited OT program.

  • Optional: NBCOT certification (common and preferred by many employers).

• PT (Physical Therapist)

  • Active Texas PT license from the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE), in good standing.

  • Graduation from an accredited PT program.

  • Optional: NBCOT certification is not required but often preferred.

• SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist)

  • Active Texas SLP license from the Texas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (TESLPABA), in good standing.

  • Graduation from an accredited SLP program.

  • Optional: ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP) is common but not always required; licensure governs practice in Texas.

🧪 Certification, licensure, and ongoing requirements

• Licensure by exam or endorsement: Maintain current license; renew according to each board’s rules; comply with continuing education (CE) requirements.

• Background checks: Provide required criminal background checks per HHSC/agency policy; some sites require fingerprinting for contractors.

• Professional liability insurance: Maintain malpractice/personal liability insurance; specify required minimum limits in the contract.

🧭 Scope of practice and autonomy

• Scope of practice: Practice within your professional scope under applicable laws and facility policies; deliver assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans as permitted.

• Orders and referrals: SLP/PT/OT often require physician or program referrals; ensure clear documentation of orders and treatment plans.

• Care coordination: Collaborate with medical directors, nurses, DSPs, behavior specialists, and other therapists; integrate therapy goals into the resident’s overall plan of care.

• Documentation: Produce and submit clinical notes, treatment plans, progress notes, and any required progress reports; ensure HIPAA-compliant recordkeeping.

🛡️ Health, safety, and professional standards

• Health status & immunizations: Comply with employer and HHSC health requirements; maintain BLS/CPR if applicable; immunizations as required.

• Client rights and safety: Follow rights-based, least-restrictive approaches; document safeguards and interventions appropriately.

• Infection control: Adhere to facility infection control policies and standard precautions.

🧾 Administrative and contractual considerations

• Contractual status: Clearly defined independent contractor vs. employee arrangement; reflect in rate structure, scheduling, and supervision expectations.

• Scheduling and travel: Manage availability for multiple homes or sites; cover scheduled visits and on-call needs as required.

• Pay and billing: Submit invoices for services; ensure alignment with payer requirements and service delivery documentation.

• Confidentiality and data security: Sign data-sharing agreements; use approved EHR systems; protect resident information per HIPAA.