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HB 81

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Armstrong and 2 co-sponsors

New Mexico would join an interstate compact allowing licensed occupational therapists to practice across member states without separate state licenses, though the bill's current status is indefinitely postponed.

action postponed indefinitely
#health&healthfacilities #licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 81

Legislative bill overview

HB 81 would allow New Mexico to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that enables licensed occupational therapists to practice across multiple member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill establishes a framework for mutual recognition of occupational therapy licenses among participating states and creates a commission to oversee the compact's operations.

Why is this important

This directly affects occupational therapists seeking to expand their practice across state lines and patients in underserved areas who may gain improved access to care. The compact reduces licensing barriers and administrative costs for practitioners, potentially increasing workforce mobility to states with higher demand for occupational therapy services.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Questions about whether varying state education and ethical standards could compromise patient safety if therapists licensed under different state requirements practice interchangeably
  • Economic impact on state licensing boards: Uncertainty about how reduced licensing fee revenue would affect New Mexico's occupational therapy regulatory body and its operations
  • Scope of practice variation: Different states may have different allowable scopes of practice for occupational therapists, creating potential confusion about what therapists can legally do in New Mexico

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

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