News

West Virginia and Alabama Enact OT Compact

On March 8, 2022, West Virginia and Alabama became the 11th and 12th states to join the Occupational Therapy Compact.  Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia and Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama signed West Virginia Senate Bill 221 and Alabama Senate Bill 167.

Now that more than 10 states have passed the Compact, member states can begin work to establish the interstate commission and officially convene the first meeting to draft the rules and bylaws of the Compact. ​Once the commissioners agree upon rules and establish a method by which Compact member states can share information, states will be able to grant Compact licenses and individuals residing in those states will be able to take advantage of the benefits the Compact offers.

The first OT Compact Commission meeting is expected to take place in summer 2022. The startup process typically takes 12 – 16 months, so the Commission could begin issuing privileges as soon as mid-2023.

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.”

Read more “Wisconsin Enacts Occupational Therapy Compact: 10 States Now Members” →

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.

Read more “OT Compact Featured in American Journal of Occupational Therapy” →

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.