Bill > HB2357

This bill relates to establishing interstate compacts for health care professionals, specifically occupational therapists and audiologists/speech-language pathologists. The bill creates two separate interstate compacts that aim to facilitate professional practice across state lines while maintaining public safety standards. Here's a detailed summary: This bill establishes two interstate licensure compacts: the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. These compacts allow licensed professionals in these fields to practice across multiple states more easily through a "compact privilege" system. The key provisions include creating a national commission for each profession to oversee interstate practice, establishing a data system to track licensure and disciplinary actions, and setting standards for professionals to obtain multi-state practice privileges. Professionals must maintain an active, unencumbered license in their home state, pass background checks, and meet specific educational and professional requirements. The compacts aim to increase public access to these healthcare services, support military families who relocate frequently, and facilitate telehealth practice. The bill also amends existing Oregon statutes to incorporate these new interstate compact provisions, allowing the state licensing boards to disclose information to the national commissions and modify licensing requirements. The compacts will become operational on January 1, 2026, giving professional boards time to prepare for implementation.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2357