44267.
(a) The minimum requirements for a services credential with a specialization in health are:(a) (1) Five years, or its equivalent, of college or university education, or five years of professional preparation approved by the commission.
(b) (2) Possession of a valid license, certificate, or registration, appropriate to the health service to be designated, issued by the California agency authorized by law to license, certificate, or register persons to practice that health service in California.
(c) (3) Such additional requirements as may be prescribed by the commission.
(b) The services credential with a specialization in health shall authorize the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the health service approved by the commission as designated on the credential. Services as an audiometrist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist audiometrist are not deemed health services within the meaning of this section.
(c) (1) The commission shall issue a services credential with a specialization in health to an appropriately licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist as prescribed in subdivisions (a) and (b).
(2) (A) An occupational therapist or physical therapist is authorized, but not required, to apply for a services credential with a specialization in health.
(B) The Legislature finds and declares that special circumstances warrant an authorization, but not a statutory requirement, for a credential with a specialization in health authorizing service in occupational therapy or physical therapy, as occupational therapists and physical therapists are the only professionals providing health services in schools not eligible to earn a credential, despite meeting the education and licensure requirements for this credential. This shall not establish a precedent for any other credential that is authorized, but not statutorily required, for a school employee to hold for their assignment.
(3) The commission shall provide a report to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature, by January 1, 2028, on the number of service credentials issued pursuant to this subdivision with a specialization in health authorizing service in occupational therapy or physical therapy, with the intent to identify the overall demand for a credential and to identify if such assignments should require a commission-issued credential after January 1, 2028.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.