Wisconsin Enacts Occupational Therapy Compact: 10 States Now Members

On February 4, 2022, Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 123, which enacted the Occupational Therapy (OT) Licensure Compact into law in Wisconsin.

In a press release Sen. Joan Ballweg, the sponsor of the original legislation, stated: “Enacting this legislation will streamline communication and licensing across states so hospitals and clinics can more quickly hire to fill vacancies or connect patients with care through telehealth. This is especially important in a time where occupations across the board are struggling with workforce issues.”

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OT Compact Featured in American Journal of Occupational Therapy

An article dated January 12, 2021, in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy makes the case for the OT Compact as a means of reducing barriers to licensure for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants seeking to move from state to state or engage in multistate practice.

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New Hampshire Enacts OT Compact

With New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s signature to S.B. 133 (2021), New Hampshire officially becomes a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

New Hampshire is the ninth state to enact the Compact. The Compact becomes effective upon enactment by ten states, at which point the OT Compact Commission, the administrative body of the Compact, will convene to begin drafting of initial bylaws and rules to implement the Compact.

Colorado Enacts OT Compact

Governor Jared Polis has signed HB21-1279, making Colorado the eighth state to enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

The OT Compact will go into effect once enacted by ten states.

Other member states include Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

Track OT Compact state legislation here.

Maine Enacts OT Compact

On June 22, Gov. Janet Mills signed SP 39 / LD 31, enacting the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact into law in Maine.

Maine becomes the seventh OT Compact member state, joining Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

The OT Compact will take effect upon enactment by ten states.

Missouri Enacts OT Compact

On June 22, Governor Mike Parson signed H.B. 476 making Missouri the sixth state to enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

The OT Compact will go into effect once enacted by ten states.

North Carolina Enacts OT Compact

On June 11, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 224 making North Carolina the fifth state to enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact).

The OT Compact will facilitate interstate practice for licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants through mutual recognition of licenses issued by Compact member states.

The OT Compact will go into effect when enacted by 10 states. Track state OT Compact legislation here.

Georgia Enacts OT Compact

On May 10, Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 268 into law, providing for Georgia’s adoption of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

The OT Compact facilitates interstate practice for licensed occupational therapists and OT assistants while enhancing public protection through a shared interstate licensure data system.

With Gov. Kemp’s signature, Georgia becomes the fourth state to join the OT Compact. The Compact will become active when enacted by ten states.

Maryland Enacts OT Compact

On April 13 Gov. Larry Logan signed into law HB 540/SB 139, enacting Maryland’s membership in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

Maryland is the third state to join the OT Compact. The Compact will become active when enacted by ten states.