The bill establishes the "Occupational Therapy Licensure Interstate Compact," designed to enhance the interstate practice of occupational therapy and improve public access to these services. It creates a framework for member states to mutually recognize each other's licenses while retaining their regulatory authority to ensure public health and safety. Key provisions include the sharing of licensure and disciplinary information, the use of telehealth technology, and requirements for member states to conduct criminal history background checks for applicants seeking compact privileges. The bill also outlines the rights and responsibilities of occupational therapists and assistants, detailing conditions for exercising compact privileges in remote states and addressing the handling of adverse actions against licenses.

Additionally, the bill forms the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission, a joint public agency responsible for overseeing licensure across state lines. It includes provisions for qualified immunity and indemnification for commission members, mandates the development of a coordinated data system for licensure information, and establishes rules for implementing the compact. The commission is granted authority to adopt emergency rules and revise existing rules, with a process for public challenge. The bill also specifies procedures for member states to withdraw from the compact and ensures that the compact's provisions are severable, maintaining validity even if parts are deemed unconstitutional. Notably, it requires the board of occupational therapy to implement new procedures for criminal history background checks, including confidential fingerprint submissions.

Statutes affected:
JC substitute: 61-12A-9