What must an OT do if the controlled act doesn’t fall within their scope of practice?

If a controlled act does not fall within an occupational therapist's scope of practice, the appropriate action is to refuse to perform the act. This is grounded in the principles of professional ethics and standards that govern the practice of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are responsible for practicing safely, competently, and within their defined scope. Performing a controlled act outside of this scope could compromise client safety and the integrity of the profession.

Refusing to perform the act demonstrates a commitment to maintaining professional standards and prioritizes the health and well-being of clients. It also helps to ensure that interventions are provided by practitioners who have the appropriate training and legal authority to execute such acts, thereby fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

In contrast, options that suggest performing the act regardless of training, delegating the act to a physician, or consulting another OT may not align with professional regulations and could put clients at risk or create liability for the therapist.