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SD 1426

An Act relative to the occupational therapist interstate licensure compact

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Lovely

Massachusetts joins the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling OTs and OTAs to practice in other member states under a Compact Privilege with shared data and protections.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1426

Summary of Bill SD 1426: An Act relative to the Occupational Therapist Interstate Licensure Compact

Overview

  • Bill Number: SD 1426
  • Title: An Act relative to the occupational therapist interstate licensure compact
  • Purpose: Create Massachusetts’ participation in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) by adding Chapter 112A to the General Laws. The Compact enables licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice across member states under a single set of interoperable rules, while maintaining licensure in their Home State.
  • Status: House concurred (as of the information provided)
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Key objective: Facilitate licensure mobility for occupational therapists and assistants, enhance public protection, and support cross-state telehealth and practice.

How the OT Compact works (core concepts)

  • Home State vs. Remote State: A licensee holds a license in their Home State; they may practice in other Member States (Remote States) under a Compact Privilege, rather than holding a separate license in each state.
  • Compact Privilege: Authorization granted by a Remote State allowing the licensee to practice there under that state’s laws and rules. The patient/practice location determines where the occupation occurs.
  • Data System and Commission: Member States participate in a national data system and the OT Compact Commission, sharing licensure status, adverse actions, and investigative information to support cross-state practice and consumer protection.

Key Provisions and Changes (as reflected in the bill)

  • Chapter 112A created: Establishes the Massachusetts framework for the OT Licensure Compact.
  • Definitions (Section 1):
    • Establishes standardized terms used by the Compact (e.g., Active Duty Military, Compact Privilege, Home State, Remote State, Licensee, Investigative Information, Adverse Action, Data System, Single-State License, Telehealth, etc.).
    • Clarifies where practice occurs (in the patient’s location) and the roles of licensing boards and the Commission.
  • State Participation (Section 2, summarized):
    • Massachusetts would participate by licensing OTs and OTAs, joining the Commission’s Data System, handling complaints, and notifying the Commission of Adverse Actions or Investigative Information.
    • Participation would include procedures for considering criminal history (fingerprints or biometric checks) as part of initial Compact Privilege applications, among other eligibility and background-check practices.
    • States must implement processes related to adverse actions and information sharing concerning licensees.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary Audience:
    • Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants licensed in Massachusetts, who would gain the ability to practice in other OT Compact member states under a Compact Privilege.
  • Secondary Audience:
    • Massachusetts Licensing Board for Occupational Therapy (implementation and enforcement).
    • Patients/clients receiving occupational therapy services who may benefit from streamlined across-state access and standardized protections.
    • Other Member States’ regulators and the OT Compact Commission (data sharing, enforcement coordination).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative steps shown:
    • Referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Feb 27, 2025).
    • House concurred (date indicated as Feb 27, 2025 in the provided record).
  • Next steps (typical for this kind of bill):
    • If passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, Massachusetts would join the OT Compact and implement its rules and data-sharing obligations.
    • Regulatory updates would be issued to align state practices with Compact requirements, including processes for Compact Privileges, background checks, and adverse-action reporting.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Benefits: Increased portability for OTs and OTAs, easier cross-state practice, expanded access to care (including telehealth) for patients, and standardized protections across member states.
  • Protections: Ongoing reporting of adverse actions, investigations, and license status to a centralized data system; background checks for initial Compact Privilege applicants.
  • Considerations: Implementation costs and administrative adjustments for the Massachusetts Licensing Board; alignment with state ethics, privacy, and public protection laws; ongoing governance of the Commission and rules.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s provisions as published in the available text (definitions and initial participation framework). Final bill language and enacted provisions may differ.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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