The bill establishes the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, designed to enhance the practice of occupational therapy across state lines and improve public access to these services. It outlines the objectives of the compact, including the protection of public health, cooperation in regulating multistate practice, and support for military spouses. Key provisions include requirements for state participation, such as conducting criminal background checks on licensees and granting compact privileges to eligible practitioners. The bill also details the conditions under which licensees can exercise these privileges, including compliance with the laws of the remote state where they practice and the establishment of the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission to oversee the compact's implementation and administration.

Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for the commission's governance, including membership, voting, and financial management, while ensuring qualified immunity for commission members and staff. It mandates the creation of a coordinated data system for managing licensure information and outlines the rulemaking process for the commission. The commission is empowered to enforce compliance among member states and resolve disputes, with provisions for legal action against noncompliant states. The bill emphasizes that it does not invalidate existing licensure agreements and includes a severability clause to maintain the effectiveness of the remaining provisions if any part is deemed unconstitutional. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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