HB 224/SB 173 – Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Larry Potts (R-Davidson); Rep. Kristin Baker, MD (R-Cabarrus); Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Pitt); Rep. Pat Hurley (R-Randolph)

Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R-Davie, Forsyth); Sen. Jim Burgin (R-Harnett, Johnston, Lee); Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir, Wayne)

Summary

This bill enacts an Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact which permits licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants the privilege to practice in Compact states subject to the requirements and restrictions provided in the Compact. This bill also:

  • Requires participating states to have an established mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints about licensees.
  • Establishes qualifications licensees must meet to exercise the Compact privilege, including having no encumbrances on any state license.
  • Requires occupational therapy assistants practicing in remote states to be supervised by an occupational therapist licensed or holding a Compact privilege in that remote state.
  • Outlines process to be followed when imposing an adverse action against an occupational therapist’s or occupational therapy assistant’s license.
  • Establishes the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission as a joint public agency created by member states responsible for establishing a code of ethics for the Commission and promulgating uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of the Compact.
  • Outlines the rulemaking process to be followed by the Commission.
  • States that the Compact will become effective following enactment in at least 10 states.

Movement

HB 224

Filed 3/3/2021

SB 173

Filed – 3/2/2021

This bill was referred to the following Senate committees:

-Rules and Operations