2023 Legislative Cycle review: Six states join Occupational Therapy…

Six states—Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana and South Dakota—have joined thus far in the 2023 legislative cycle. With signatures from these six governors, the Compact now has 28 member states. The full map can be viewed here. 

The compact enables occupational therapists who are licensed in a Compact member state to practice in any other member state without needing to obtain an additional state license. Beyond the six new member states, nine additional states and the District of Columbia have also introduced legislation to join the Compact in the 2023 legislative cycle. 

The six new member states demonstrate regional diversity, hailing from the Midwest, South and West. Together, all 28 member states represent every region of the U.S., creating more options for occupational therapists and their clients. 

OT Compact May 2023 Update

Thank you for your interest in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Compact. Since its initial convening in August of 2022, the OT Compact Commission has made clear progress toward issuing privileges. The Commission and several of its committees convene monthly, and you can view the meeting dates and materials on the OT Compact website. Recent highlights from each committee include:

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Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission Holds Inaugural Meeting

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission held its inaugural meeting on August 3 and 4. Delegates from 20 member states attended (a list of the commissioners is available here). Approximately 30 additional attendees, including regulatory board members; ex-officio delegates and staff from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), staff from The Council of State Governments (CSG); and members of the public were also present. With expertise and guidance provided by CSG and the compact’s interim legal counsel, the inaugural meeting served as a major milestone for the compact and brings the compact one step closer to operationalization.

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Delaware Enacts OT Compact

On August 4, 2022, Governor Carney signed into law Senate Bill 247, making Delaware the 22^nd member of the Occupational Therapy Compact.

On August 3 and 4, 2022, the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission held its Inaugural Meeting, where commissioners voted on rules and bylaws, elected an executive committee and discussed upcoming commission activities. You can find more details on that meeting here and on other upcoming commission meetings here.

Iowa Enacts OT Compact

On May 24, 2022, Iowa became the 21^st state to join the compact Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact when Governor Reynolds signed into law Senate File 463.

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South Carolina Becomes 20th OT Compact Member State

On May 13, 2022, South Carolina became the 20^th state to join the Occupational Therapy Compact when Governor Henry McMaster signed House Bill 3599 into law. With the enactment of this bill, 40 percent of US states are now Compact members. 

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Nebraska and Tennessee Enact OT Compact

On April 19, 2022, Gov. Ricketts of Nebraska signed Legislative Bill 752, which enacted the OT Compact into law in Nebraska. On the same day, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed House Bill 2561, which enacted the Compact in Tennessee. They are the 18th and 19th states to join.

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OT Compact Signed in Kentucky

On April 8, 2022, Kentucky became the 17^th state to join the compact Occupational Therapy Compact when Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 213 into law.  

Now that more than 10 states have passed the compact, the member states will 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. The commissioners expect to have their first meeting in August. 

Arizona Joins OT Compact

On April 6, 2022, Arizona became the 16^th state to join the compact Occupational Therapy Compact when Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1468 into law.  

Now that more than ten states have passed the compact, the member states will 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 issue compact privileges. The commissioners expect to have their first meeting in August. 

Wyoming, Utah, and Washington Enact OT Compact

On March 11, Wyoming became the 13^th state to join the Occupational Therapy Compact when Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law House Bill 117.

On March 23, 2022, Utah became the 14^th state to join the Occupational Therapy Compact when Gov. Spencer Cox signed House Bill 154 into law.

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