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.”

Wisconsin is the 10th state to enter into the Compact, which has been enacted in Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. The OT Compact model legislation determines that the Compact will become active upon passage by the 10th member state. The 10 member states will now work to establish the interstate commission and officially convene its first meeting to draft the rules and bylaws of Compact. ​Once the commissioners agree upon rules and establish a method for Compact member states to 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.