The bill amends Alaska's laws governing the licensure of various healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists and physical therapists, by introducing a new requirement for applicants seeking compact privileges to submit fingerprints and fees for a national criminal history record check. It establishes the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which allows for the mutual recognition of licenses among member states, facilitating interstate practice while maintaining state regulatory authority. The bill also outlines the scope of practice for occupational therapists and assistants, detailing services they can provide without referrals, and mandates the employment of an executive administrator for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board.

Additionally, the bill creates a framework for the Occupational Therapy Compact, defining key terms and outlining requirements for member states, such as conducting criminal background checks and implementing a data system for tracking licenses. It details the process for obtaining and maintaining Compact Privileges, specifies conditions for losing these privileges, and establishes the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission to oversee implementation and compliance. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability, mandating open Commission meetings and providing mechanisms for addressing defaults by member states. It also clarifies that existing licensure agreements with non-member states remain valid and introduces new definitions related to occupational therapy practices.

Statutes affected:
HB0173A, AM HB 173, introduced 04/07/2025: 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.188, 08.84.189, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075
HB0173B, AM CSHB 173(L&C), introduced 05/07/2025: 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.188, 08.84.189, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075
HB0173C, AM SCS CSHB 173(FIN), introduced 05/12/2026: 08.11.300, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.188, 08.84.189, 39.25.120, 08.84.030, 08.84.060, 08.84.040, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075
HB0173D, AM SCS CSHB 173(FIN) am S, introduced 05/19/2026: 08.11.300, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.188, 08.84.189, 39.25.120, 08.84.030, 08.84.060, 08.84.040, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075, 08.84.190
HB0173Z, AM Enrolled HB 173, introduced 05/20/2026: 08.11.300, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.188, 08.84.189, 39.25.120, 08.84.030, 08.84.060, 08.84.040, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075, 08.84.190