ABSTRACT
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) currently represent a significant portion (19%) of the occupational therapy profession (American Occupational Therapy Association, 1986). From the initiation of COTA educational programs in 1958 to the present time there has been considerable discussion regarding the appropriate interaction between the therapist and the assistant (Crampton, 1958). Discussion of the conflicts between the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and Registered Occupa tional Therapist (OTR), as well as desired practice parameters for
each, occurred and have been reviewed at great length in various arenas for the past thirty years.
