Teacher credentialing: services credential with a specialization in health: occupational and physical therapists.

Existing law sets forth the minimum requirements for a services credential with a specialization in health. Existing law authorizes the holder of a services credential with a specialization in health to perform, at all grade levels, health services approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Existing law specifies that services as an occupational therapist or physical therapist are not health services for this purpose. This bill would delete the provision specifying that services as an occupational therapist or physical therapist are not health services for purposes of a services credential with a specialization in health. This bill would require the commission, until January 1, 2029, to issue a services credential with a specialization in health to an appropriately licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist who meets certain requirements and would authorize, but would not require, an occupational therapist or a physical therapist to apply for a services credential with a specialization in health, as provided. The bill would require the commission to provide a report to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature by January 1, 2028, on the number of service credentials issued pursuant to these provisions with a specialization in health authorizing service in occupational therapy or physical therapy, as specified. The bill would also make various nonsubstantive changes.