COTAs, aides, and supervision

Question 1

General info on COTAs

Answer 1

• assist in the therapy process
• great for intervention ideas

Question 2

they can

Answer 2

• select interventions
• do treatments
• write goals
• standardized and non assessments if service competent
• contribute with evaluation
• fabricate and apply resting hand orthoses

Question 3

they cannot

Answer 3

• complete an OT evaluation (they can contribute but not independently do it)
• interpret results of evaluation
• develop the treatment plan
• modify the treatment plan
• design protocols

Question 4

supervision

Answer 4

always supervised by the OT, but in different levels depending

can supervise aids, level 1&2 OTA students, level 1 OT students but not level 2

Question 5

service competent

Answer 5

if the answer does not have this in it, then the correct answer cannot have the COTA/OTA performing the task

Question 6

OTA vs COTA

Answer 6

is like our OTD, and then COTA is like our OTR/L because certified through NBCOT

Question 7

OT aides

Answer 7

can be trained by OTA/COTA or OTR to perform specific non skilled tasks

clean, set up materials, transport, contact guard during t/f

Question 8

Aide supervision

Answer 8

must be supervised by COTA or OTR and must be documented

• intermittent supervision is sufficient for non-patient related tasks (requires periodic discussion, demonstration, contact on at least a monthly basis)
• continuous supervision is required for client-related tasks

Question 9

non skilled client tasks can only be delegated to an aide after the OT has determined:

Answer 9

• result of the task is clearly established, predictable, and anticipated known
• will not require them to make any interpretations, adaptations, or judgement calls
• situation and environment are stable
• patient has previously demonstrated some capabilities prior
• aide appropriately trained and received specific instructions
• aide knows precautions and pt s/s that could indicate needing assistance

Question 10

close supervision

Answer 10

daily, direct contact

Question 11

routine supervision

Answer 11

direct contact at least every 2 weeks with interim supervision occurring by other methods (phone, email)

Question 12

general supervision

Answer 12

at least monthly direct contact and available as needed by other methods

Question 13

minimal supervision

Answer 13

provided only on a needed basis and may be less than monthly

Question 14

guide for supervision of OT personnel

Answer 14

entry-level OT: none required, close supervision by intermediate or expert OT recommended
intermediate-level OT: not required, routine or general rec
advanced level OT: not required, min rec

entry-level OTA: close supervision
intermediate level OTA: routine or general
advanced OTA: general supervision

Question 15

best task to assign home-based skilled COTAs

Answer 15

in home evaluation of IADL

Question 16

Newly hired COTA instructed to supervise 2 VOLUNTEERS to assist with transfers

Answer 16

explain to director why the request is inappropriate (volunteers can’t do that)

Question 17

One pt becomes dependent on cota for the group

Answer 17

have them work with the pt to develop independence in task completion; notifying attending not necessary at this time

Question 18

PT with more experience

Answer 18

co-treat with them so you can learn

Question 19

evals COTAs are trained in

Answer 19

trained and qualified to perform ADL evaluations during their entry level education (cog evals, mental status exam, and occupational history interview all require service competence)