Bill > HB482

This bill, known as the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Act, authorizes the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join an Interstate Compact, which is a formal agreement between states. The primary goal of this Compact is to improve public access to occupational therapy services by allowing licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice in other member states without needing to obtain a separate license in each state. This is achieved through a "Compact Privilege," which is essentially a license granted by a "Remote State" (where the patient is located) to a practitioner licensed in their "Home State" (their primary residence). The bill outlines the definitions of key terms, the requirements for states to participate in the Compact, the process for obtaining and maintaining a Compact Privilege, and the responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission, a national administrative body that will oversee the Compact. It also details procedures for adverse actions, dispute resolution, and the establishment of rules. The Governor is authorized to execute the Compact, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth will publish notice once it becomes effective. The State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure will be responsible for implementing temporary regulations and processing Compact Privilege applications.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=482