Bill Caption

Relating to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; authorizing fees. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 1903 would establish a compact to facilitate the interstate practice of Occupational Therapy. This compact is designed to increase public access to Occupational Therapy services; enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety; encourage cooperation between member states; support spouses of relocating military members; enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information; allow a remote state to hold a provider of service with a compact privilege; and facilitate the use of Telehealth technology. Texas Occupational Therapists would still be able to obtain a single state license and opt out of the compact privilege if they so choose. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 1903 would expand the ability of licensed Occupational Therapists to practice outside of Texas in participating compact member states. This would expand the liberty of eligible professionals to work in a broader area while still maintaining the authority and autonomy of the state to regulate the profession within this state. While we would prefer to do away with occupational licensing for this profession altogether, Texas Action supports HB 1903 which is an improvement over the status quo.