RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 263 (SB 186) 2023 Regular Session Peacock
Existing law provides that a person who wishes to practice occupational therapy in Louisiana
must meet certain minimum qualifications for state licensure.
New law enacts the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. New law allows Louisiana
to join a multi-state compact for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants
to obtain multi-state license privileges to practice in participating compact states to enhance
the portability of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license and
ensure the safety of patients.
New law provides for each participating state in the compact to adopt similar requirements
for expedited licensure, including satisfaction of criminal background checks, licensure, and
education. New law requires all participating states to verify licensure information through
a coordinated information system and exchange information regarding discipline and adverse
actions. New law provides that the occupational therapy regulatory board in the state where
the patient is located shall regulate the occupational therapist or occupational therapy
assistant in that state.
New law establishes the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission and grants each
participating state one delegate on the commission chosen from the current members of the
state licensing board or the administrators of the state licensing board. New law provides for
the powers, duties, financial authority, organization, and rulemaking functions of the
commission. New law authorizes the commission to levy and collect an annual assessment
from each member state. New law authorizes the commission to initiate legal action in
federal court in the District of Columbia or where the commission has its principal offices
to enforce the compact's provisions.
New law provides for oversight, enforcement, dispute resolution, and withdrawal from the
compact. New law further provides for construction and severability.
Effective January 1, 2024.
(Amends R.S. 37:3001; adds R.S. 37:3021)