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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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.”

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