New law to regulate Occupational Therapy

Permit from Ministry of Health required to practice

A law regulating the practice of occupational therapy was adopted by Parliament recently.

The law defines occupational therapy as a “holistic health care profession for treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.” This therapy aims to help patients develop, recover, and improve skills needed for day to day living.
Practicing as an occupational therapist requires a permit from the Ministry of Public Health.

To obtain a license to practice applicants must be Lebanese citizens, and they should hold a certificate in occupational therapy from a college or vocational institute. All graduates, except those from the Lebanese University, must take a national competency assessment (colloquium) exam to practice.

A fixed fee for an occupational therapy license will be determined by Cabinet decree.

Reported by Hanadi Chami