Bill > HB173

This bill makes several changes related to the licensing and practice of occupational therapists, physical therapists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists. It establishes an "Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact" (AS 08.84.189), which allows licensed occupational therapists and assistants to practice in other member states without needing a separate license in each state, thereby improving public access to these services and facilitating practice across state lines, especially for military families. The bill also requires national criminal history record checks for individuals applying for compact privileges or licenses in these professions, ensuring public safety. Additionally, it clarifies the scope of practice for occupational therapists, defines the role of occupational therapy assistants, and establishes the position of an executive administrator for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board, who will be the principal executive officer of the board. The bill also amends existing laws to include compact privileges within the definitions of licensure for national criminal history record checks and to specify that the executive administrator is in the partially exempt service.