Mandatory continuing education: the future of occupational therapy professional development?

This literature review and analysis investigates continuing education in a variety of professions. It then examines the need for such legislative requirements in occupational therapy. Although there are some arguments which oppose the existence of mandatory continuing education requirements, they may be overshadowed by the many benefits which can be achieved by this type of decree. Currently, the state licensure board is the only mechanism that mandates continuing education requirements for occupational therapists. However, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) recently established the National Commission on Continuing Competency in Occupational Therapy. This body is currently developing national standards for continuing competency in occupational therapy. Nonetheless, occupational therapists in states where there are no mandatory continuing education requirements are encouraged to explore the potential benefits of such state regulations, and to work toward their implementation.