OT Compact States 2023

OT Compact States 2023

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What is an OT Compact State?

Occupational therapy licensure compact states are states that have adopted the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT compact). This allows occupational therapists to practice in multiple states without having to obtain a license in each state. It provides a streamlined process for OTs to practice across state lines.

Once a state becomes compact, it allows occupational therapists licensed in one state to practice in other compact member states with a multi-state license.

What is an OT Compact License?

Occupational therapist helping patient.

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is a joint initiative by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. OT compact licenses provide convenience and efficiency when practicing occupational therapy across different states. With a multi-state license, an OT can practice in any of the compact states without having to obtain a separate license for each state. This helps reduce the time, cost, and paperwork associated with getting licensed interstate practice in multiple states.

The main benefit of OT compact is that it allows occupational therapists to practice in multiple states without having to obtain separate licenses for each state. This makes it easier and more efficient for OTs to provide their services across different states. Additionally, compact states eliminate the need for occupational therapists to take additional examinations or fulfill other requirements to get licensed in individual states.

What are the OT Compact States?

Occupational therapists can work in any participating compact state with a compact multistate license. Here is a full list of compact occupational therapy states that accept a universal interstate compact multi-state license:

Some states are in the process of introducing legislation or enacting legislation to become member states.

States that don’t have compact privileges

There are many benefits that come with the occupational therapy licensure compact privilege. Here are a few examples:

Benefits for Occupational Therapists

occupational therapist helping patient with exercise

Occupational therapists who take advantage of OT licensure compact states experience many benefits. By obtaining a multi-state license, OTs can provide their services to individuals in multiple states without having to go through the time-consuming and costly process of getting licensed in each state individually. This allows them to practice more widely and reach more clients.

In addition, compact states eliminate the need for additional examinations or other licensure requirements in multiple states. This makes it easier and more efficient for OTs to practice across state lines.

Compact states provide occupational therapists with greater convenience, efficiency, and flexibility when practicing across different states. It is an important step forward in providing more access to occupational therapy services.

Benefits for Clients

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact also offers many benefits for clients. OTIC increases access to occupational therapy services by allowing therapists licensed in one state to practice in multiple states without having to obtain a separate license for each state. This makes it easier for people to find an occupational therapist in their area, regardless of where they live.

Compact states also help reduce costs for clients by streamlining the licensing process and eliminating the need for additional examinations or other requirements. This allows OTs to provide more affordable services to individuals across state lines.

Overall, OT compact is beneficial for clients as it increases access to occupational therapy services and reduces costs for those seeking such services.

Requirements for OT Licensure

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is an important step forward in providing more access to occupational therapy services across different states. By eliminating the need for additional examinations or other licensure requirements to practice in another state, OTIC ensures that OT professionals can practice across the US without additional barriers.

According to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact laws, to obtain a compact license, an occupational therapist must meet certain requirements.

  • Have a Social Security Number or a National Provider Identifier
  • Hold a valid license in their home state that is a member of the Compact
  • Have no encumbrances on any state license currently, and no adverse actions or restrictions against any license within the previous two years
  • Pass an FBI Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check
  • Meet any jurisprudence requirements for the member state in which they are seeking a privilege
  • Pay any fees for the Compact privilege

Provide Occupational Therapy Services in OT Compact States

occupational therapist with patient

If you want to travel as an occupational therapist, now is the time to do it! With new legislature and access to compact state licenses, it is easier than ever for physical therapists to find jobs in their desired locations. Check out our job board to find travel therapy jobs in your state!

Author: Allison Barshinger

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6 Comments

  1. Hello, I currently have OT licenses in NC and WI. I have worked in NC for the last 8 years currently in Charlotte. I live in SC, a few miles from the NC border/Charlotte. Do I need to be licensed in SC where I do not work, to apply for a Compact license? Thank you!

  2. Hi Michele! The OT compact license will allow you to work in any of the compact states, provided that you are licensed in a compact member state and consider that state your primary residence.
    In this case, if your primary residence is in SC, you may need to be licensed in SC in order to be eligible for a compact license. Thank you!

  3. Has Indiana been approved yet as a compact state?

  4. Hi Angie! Indiana has enacted legislation to become a compact state. Thanks for reading!

  5. So can we already travel and work in states that have, is it good to go?

  6. Yes, the OTLC is effective now in those certain states. Thanks, Christina!

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