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Professional Assistance Program for Occupational Therapy

Disclaimer: Law, rules and regulations, not Guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this Guideline may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations.

The Office of the Professions' Professional Assistance Program (PAP) assists licensed professionals with addictive illness. The program is free for occupational therapy professionals. This program allows professionals to voluntarily and confidentially surrender their licenses while entering and receiving treatment in acceptable programs. It is only available to licensees who have not harmed patients or clients. In some cases, successful completion of the program may act as an alternative to disciplinary action.

The Committee for Professional Assistance, composed primarily of experts in addictive illness, advises the Education Department on the administration of the program. A member of the appropriate State professional board sits ex officio on each PAP panel. The panels interview applicants and determine their suitability for the program, monitor progress, and determine the readiness of the licensee to resume professional practice.

For additional information about this program contact:

The Professional Assistance Program
New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
80 Wolf Road, Suite 204
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-474-3817 ext. 480
E-mail: pap@nysed.gov