Dear OTLB, Honored Oregon Legislators, and to Whom it May Concern:
In alignment with the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon, we are writing to express our strong support for the Occupational Therapy (OT) Licensure Compact, HB 2357, which aims to improve access to quality occupational therapy services and enhance mobility for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants across states.
The OT Licensure Compact is a joint initiative of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and the National Center for Interstate Compacts. Existing interstate licensure compacts have successfully reduced barriers for practitioners who wish to provide services in other states (e.g., physical therapy). As of June 2024, 31 states have passed legislation to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, thereby allowing licensed occupational therapy practitioners (occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants) to practice in other states that have joined. When the Compact "goes live" in member states later this year, it is expected to improve access to care for consumers of occupational therapy services by improving practitioner license portability. In addition to improving access to care, the Licensure Compact also benefits occupational therapy practitioners by allowing improved market access, reducing barriers for military spouses to practice in member states, reducing time spent on administrative duties by having a uniform application to practice in a member state, and aligning renewals and continuing education requirements. Finally, the Licensure Compact upholds the control of the home state licensing board to define the scope of practice and the licensure process and procedures of the home state. It provides a streamlined system for monitoring disciplinary actions, enhancing public safety.
We believe that the OT Licensure Compact is essential for promoting the growth and success of the occupational therapy profession in the United States. It will also benefit consumers (patients, students, families, and communities) by improving access to occupational therapy providers, enhancing continuity of care, and increasing the availability of services in underserved and rural communities.
As occupational therapy practitioners, patients, and concerned constituents, we urge you to support the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, HB 2357, and its implementation in Oregon. By joining the Compact, Oregon can improve consumer access to occupational therapy providers, enhance practitioner mobility, increase market opportunities for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, and support relocating military spouses.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,