The bill establishes the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, designed to facilitate the interstate practice of occupational therapy and enhance public access to these services. It outlines the objectives of the compact, which include improving public health protection, fostering cooperation in regulating multistate practice, and supporting military spouses. The compact sets forth requirements for state participation, such as conducting criminal background checks on licensees and granting compact privileges to eligible licensees from other member states. Additionally, it details the criteria for licensees to exercise compact privileges, the regulatory authority of remote states, and the procedures for disciplinary actions.

The legislation also creates the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission, responsible for overseeing the compact's implementation and administration. The commission will consist of delegates from each member state's occupational therapy licensing board and will have the authority to adopt uniform rules, conduct investigations, and manage finances. Key provisions include the establishment of a coordinated database for licensure and investigative information, the requirement for member states to submit a uniform data set, and the commission's enforcement powers to address noncompliance. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance and outlines the processes for states to join or withdraw from the compact, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1010 Filed: 456.073, 456.076, 468.207