Assessments?

Should OTAs be allowed to do assessments, particularly with peds? Why or why not?
Interesting question, OTAs should be allowed to do assessments even pediatric assessments. These assessments are not any different than any other assessments in which we have established service competency. Service competency is determined when the OT approves the way the OTA administers the assessment consistently, Service competency allows the OTs to concentrate on other matters while feeling confident that the OTA can safely and accurately perform their duties.

During my research of this topic I did not find a lot of conversations about not letting OTAs perform assessments. Most of the conversations were whether OTAs can initiate evaluations, and the vagueness of the state laws, and the interpretation of OTAs duties that vary from state to state. Check out an interesting blog from the AOTA website (http://otconnections.aota.org/forums/t/9869.aspx?PageIndex=1)

So it does not seem that COTAs are not willing or have a problem performing the assessments, the real question that comes to my mind does OTs have a problem allowing us to do assessments? Does performing the assessments infringe on their rights and responsibilities? Would OTs feel that the COTAs are “taking over”? I could not find anything online to support these questions/thoughts but what do you think?