SECTION 369.3. Use of Titles

(a) Licensed occupational therapists shall use the title occupational therapist or the abbreviation OT. Occupational Therapist, Registered is an alternate title for occupational therapist and OTR® is an alternate abbreviation for OT if individuals who are licensed by this board take the responsibility for ensuring that they are qualified to use such by maintaining certification through NBCOT.

(b) Licensed occupational therapy assistants shall use the title occupational therapy assistant or the abbreviation OTA. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is an alternate title for occupational therapy assistant and COTA® is an alternate abbreviation for OTA if individuals who are licensed by this board take the responsibility for ensuring that they are qualified to use such by maintaining certification through NBCOT.

(c) No other titles or abbreviations are conferred for a license from this board.

(d) The use of the title doctor is governed by §454.007 of the Act (relating to Use of Title of Doctor).

(e) The titles and abbreviations described by subsections (a) and (b) of this section must precede any other titles, abbreviations, academic degrees, or certifications (example: John Doe, OT, CHT or Jane Doe, OTR, PhD) with the following exception: if an occupational therapy practitioner is practicing in a higher education setting or is signing as an author for a publication that requires a recognized publication format, then the titles or abbreviations described by subsections (a) or (b) of this section may follow other titles, abbreviations, academic degrees, or certifications (Ex: John Doe, CHT, OT or Jane Doe, PhD, OTR).

(f) Limitations. A person who does not hold a license to practice occupational therapy in Texas may not use any of the following terms in conjunction with the person’s business, work, or services:

(1) "occupational therapist," "licensed occupational therapist," "occupational therapist, registered";

(2) "occupational therapy assistant," "licensed occupational therapy assistant," "certified occupational therapy assistant";

(3) "OT," "OTR," "LOT," "OTR/L";

(4) "OTA," "COTA," "LOTA,""COTA/L"; or

(5) any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.

Source Note: The provisions of this §369.3 adopted to be effective October 11, 1994, 19 TexReg 7715; amended to be effective May 8, 1996, 21 TexReg 3715; amended to be effective November 4, 1997, 22 TexReg 10750; amended to be effective September 7, 2009, 34 TexReg 6123; amended to be effective August 19, 2010, 35 TexReg 7082; amended to be effective January 9, 2012, 37 TexReg 68; amended to be effective October 6, 2013, 38 TexReg 6930; amended to be effective June 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 3063