Title: Helping Patients & Protecting Yourself: Real World Liability Lessons for Occupational Therapy Professionals

Description: Occupational therapists are dedicated to helping patients regain independence, function, and quality of life. But in today's healthcare environment, even well-intentioned clinical decisions can carry professional risk. Documentation gaps, communication breakdowns, scope-of-practice misunderstandings, and workplace pressures can all contribute to liability exposure. This engaging and practical session provides occupational therapy professionals with a clear understanding of how professional liability applies to everyday OT practice. Participants will explore common scenarios that lead to malpractice claims and board complaints, including treatment planning errors, patient safety incidents, supervision challenges, and documentation issues. Real-world case examples will illustrate how seemingly routine situations can escalate into legal or regulatory concerns. Attendees will also learn the differences between employer-provided liability coverage and individual professional liability insurance, including what protections each may—and may not—offer. The session will highlight actionable risk-reduction strategies occupational therapists can apply immediately, from strengthening documentation practices to maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries and communication with patients and interdisciplinary teams. Designed to educate rather than alarm, this session empowers occupational therapists to better understand their professional responsibilities while protecting their careers. Participants will leave with practical insights that support confident practice, improved risk awareness, and stronger professional decision-making in today's complex healthcare landscape.