In 2023,
HB 2618 directed the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to conduct a study to identify the best methodology for determining the appropriate number of students on a workload for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists:
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SECTION 1. (1) The Department of Education shall conduct a study to identify the best methodology for determining the appropriate number of students on a workload for a school-based health practitioner who is a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist.
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(2) For the purpose of conducting the study under this section, the department shall:
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a) Examine workload metrics for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists used in other states; and
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(b) Develop, or recommend the adoption of, a workload metric for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for use in this state
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(3) The department shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS 192.245, and may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to education no later than January 5, 2024
ODE initiated a study to identify the best methodology for determining the appropriate student caseload for school-based occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The study included review of the following components outlined in HB 2618:
- The number of students eligible for services provided by the school-based health practitioner;
- The level of need of the students eligible for services provided by the school-based health practitioner;
- The recommended frequency of visits for students eligible for services provided by the school-based health practitioner;
- The number of schools served by the school-based health practitioner;
- The amount of time spent by the school-based health practitioner preparing documentation for an individualized education program or participating in meetings for an individualized education program; and
- Any other workload metrics for a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist or physical therapist that are identified by the department.
The following report presents the findings and recommendations of this study.