RCW 18.59.010
Purpose.
In order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare; to protect the public from being mislead by incompetent, unethical, and unauthorized persons; to assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; and to assure the availability of occupational therapy services of high quality to persons in need of such services, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the regulation of persons offering occupational therapy services to the public.
[
1984 c 9 s 2
.]
RCW 18.59.020
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Board" means the board of occupational therapy practice.
(2) "Department" means the department of health.
(3) "Occupational therapist" means a person licensed to practice occupational therapy under this chapter.
(4) "Occupational therapy" is the scientifically based use of purposeful activity with individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process in order to maximize independence, prevent disability, and maintain health. The practice encompasses evaluation, treatment, and consultation. Specific occupational therapy services include but are not limited to: Using specifically designed activities and exercises to enhance neurodevelopmental, cognitive, perceptual motor, sensory integrative, and psychomotor functioning; administering and interpreting tests such as manual muscle and sensory integration; teaching daily living skills; developing prevocational skills and play and avocational capabilities; designing, fabricating, or applying selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or selected adaptive equipment; wound care management as provided in RCW 18.59.170
; and adapting environments for persons with disabilities. These services are provided individually, in groups, or through social systems.
(5) "Occupational therapy aide" means a person who is trained to perform specific occupational therapy techniques under professional supervision as defined by the board but who does not perform activities that require advanced training in the sciences or practices involved in the profession of occupational therapy.
(6) "Occupational therapy assistant" means a person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision or with the regular consultation of an occupational therapist.
(7) "Occupational therapy practitioner" means a person who is credentialed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
(8) "Person" means any individual, partnership, unincorporated organization, or corporate body, except that only an individual may be licensed under this chapter.
(9) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
(10) "Sharp debridement" means the removal of loose or loosely adherent devitalized tissue with the use of tweezers, scissors, or scalpel, without any type of anesthesia other than topical anesthetics. "Sharp debridement" does not mean surgical debridement.
(11) "Wound care management" means a part of occupational therapy treatment that facilitates healing, prevents edema, infection, and excessive scar formation, and minimizes wound complications. Treatment may include: Assessment of wound healing status; patient education; selection and application of dressings; cleansing of the wound and surrounding areas; application of topical medications, as provided under RCW 18.59.160
; use of physical agent modalities; application of pressure garments and nonweight-bearing orthotic devices, excluding high-temperature custom foot orthotics made from a mold; sharp debridement of devitalized tissue; debridement of devitalized tissue with other agents; and adapting activities of daily living to promote independence during wound healing.
[
2011 c 88 s 1
;
1999 c 333 s 1
;
1991 c 3 s 153
;
1984 c 9 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015
(2)(k).
Rules
—
2011 c 88:
See note following RCW 18.59.170
.
RCW 18.59.031
License required.
No person may practice or represent himself or herself as an occupational therapy practitioner without first having a valid license to do so.
[
1999 c 333 s 2
;
1987 c 150 s 44
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1987 c 150:
See RCW 18.122.901
.
RCW 18.59.040
Activities not regulated by chapter
—
Limited permits.
This chapter shall not be construed as preventing or restricting the practice, services, or activities of:
(1) A person licensed in this state under any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which the person is licensed;
(2) A person employed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant by the government of the United States, if the person provides occupational therapy solely under the directions or control of the organization by which the person is employed;
(3) A person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate in occupational therapy in an accredited or approved educational program if the activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study, if the person is designated by a title which clearly indicated the person's status as a student or trainee;
(4) A person fulfilling the supervised fieldwork experience requirements of RCW 18.59.050, if the activities and services constitute a part of the experience necessary to meet the requirements of RCW 18.59.050
;
(5) A person performing occupational therapy services in the state, if the services are performed for no more than ninety working days and if:
(a) The person is licensed under the laws of another state which has licensure requirements at least as stringent as the requirements of this chapter, as determined by the board; or
(b) The person has met commonly accepted standards for the practice of occupational therapy as specifically defined by the board;
(6) A person employed by or supervised by an occupational therapist as an occupational therapy aide;
(7) A person with a limited permit. A limited permit may be granted to persons who have completed the education and experience requirements of this chapter, or education and experience requirements which the board deems equivalent to those specified as requirements for licensure. The limited permit allows the applicant to practice in association with an occupational therapist. The limited permit is valid until the results of the next examination have been made public. One extension of this permit may be granted if the applicant has failed the examination, but during this period the person shall be under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist;
(8) Any persons who teach daily living skills, develop prevocational skills, and play and avocational capabilities, or adapt equipment or environments for individuals with disabilities, or who do specific activities to enhance cognitive, perceptual motor, sensory integrative and psychomotor skills, but who do not hold themselves out to the public by any title, initials, or description of services as being engaged in the practice of occupational therapy; or
(9) Any person who designs, fabricates, or applies orthotic or prosthetic devices which are prescribed by a health care professional authorized by the laws of the state of Washington to prescribe the device or to direct the design, fabrication or application of the device.
[
2020 c 274 s 2
;
1985 c 296 s 1
;
1984 c 9 s 5
.]
RCW 18.59.050
Licenses
—
Application
—
Requirements
—
Waiver.
(1) An applicant applying for a license as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant shall file a written application on forms provided by the department showing to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant meets the requirements specified in this subsection.
(a) The applicant shall be of good moral character.
(b) The applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the board of having successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program in occupational therapy recognized by the board, with concentration in biological or physical science, psychology, sociology, and with education in selected manual skills.
(i) For an occupational therapist, such a program shall be nationally accredited and approved by rules of the board.
(ii) For an occupational therapy assistant, such a program shall be nationally accredited and approved by rules of the board.
(c) The applicant shall submit to the board evidence of having successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institution or a training program approved by the educational institution at which the applicant met the academic requirements.
(i) For an occupational therapist, a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork experience is required.
(ii) For an occupational therapy assistant, a minimum of two months of supervised fieldwork experience is required.
(d) An applicant for licensure as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant shall pass an examination as provided in RCW 18.59.060
.
(2) The board may waive the educational requirements specified under subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section for an occupational therapy assistant who has met the experience and any other requirements established by the board. Upon successful completion of the examination required of the occupational therapist, the individual shall be granted a license.
[
1984 c 9 s 6
.]
RCW 18.59.060
Examinations.
(1) A person applying for licensure shall demonstrate eligibility in accordance with RCW 18.59.050
and shall apply for examination upon a form and in such a manner as the department prescribes. The application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed by RCW 18.59.110, which fee shall not be refunded. A person who fails an examination may apply for reexamination. The application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(2) An applicant for licensure under this chapter shall be given a written examination to test the applicant's knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relating to occupational therapy and occupational therapy theory and practice, including the applicant's professional skills of occupational therapy techniques and methods, and such other subjects as the board deems useful to determine the applicant's fitness to practice. The board shall approve the examination and establish standards for acceptable performance.
(3) Applicants for licensure shall be examined at a time and place and under such supervision as the board may determine. The examination shall be given at least twice each year at such places as the board determines, and the board shall give reasonable public notice of the examinations in accordance with its rules at least sixty days prior to the administration of the examination.
(4) Applicants may obtain their examination scores and may review their papers in accordance with such rules as the board establishes.
[
1984 c 9 s 7
.]
RCW 18.59.070
Waiver of examination and licensing requirements
—
Applicants licensed in other states or territories.
(1) The board shall waive the examination and grant a license to a person engaged in the profession of an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant on June 7, 1984, if the board determines that the person meets commonly accepted standards for the profession, as established by rule of the board. The board may waive the examination, education, or experience requirements and grant a license to any person meeting the standards adopted by the board under this section after June 7, 1984, if the board considers the requirements for licensure in this chapter as having been met.
(2) The board may grant a license to any applicant who presents proof of current licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, which requires standards for licensure considered by the board to be equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this chapter.
(3) The board shall waive the education and experience requirements for licensure in RCW 18.59.050
(1) (c) and (d) for applicants for licensure who present evidence to the board that they have been engaged in the practice of occupational therapy for the three years immediately prior to June 7, 1984. The proof of actual practice shall be presented to the board in such a manner as the board prescribes by rule. To obtain the waiver, an applicant shall file an application for examination no later than six months from June 7, 1984. An applicant who has filed for examination under this subsection shall be excluded from the licensure requirement until the date the results of the examination are made public, and may conduct the appropriate activities under *RCW 18.59.030
.
[
1984 c 9 s 8
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 18.59.030
was repealed by
1986 c 259 s 103
.
RCW 18.59.080
License issuance
—
Posting required.
The secretary shall issue a license to a person who meets the licensing requirements of this chapter upon payment of the prescribed license fee. The license shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the person's worksite.
[
1991 c 3 s 154
;
1984 c 9 s 9
.]
RCW 18.59.090
Renewal of licenses
—
Reinstatement of suspended or revoked licenses
—
Inactive status.
(1) Licenses under this chapter shall be renewed at the time and in the manner determined by the secretary and with the payment of a renewal fee. The board shall establish requirements for license renewal which provide evidence of continued competency. The secretary may provide for the late renewal of a license upon the payment of a late fee in accordance with its rules which may include additional continuing education or examination requirements.
(2) A suspended license is subject to expiration and may be renewed as provided in this section, but the renewal does not entitle the licensee, while the license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the licensed activity, or in any other conduct or activity in violation of the order or judgment by which the license was suspended. If a license revoked on disciplinary grounds is reinstated, the licensee, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay the renewal fee and any applicable late fee.
(3) Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under this chapter not practicing occupational therapy or providing services may place his or her license in an inactive status. The secretary may prescribe requirements for maintaining an inactive status and converting from an inactive or active status.
[
1991 c 3 s 155
;
1990 c 13 s 1
;
1984 c 9 s 10
.]
RCW 18.59.100
Duty to refer medical cases.
(Effective until June 30, 2027.)
An occupational therapist shall, after evaluating a patient and if the case is a medical one, refer the case to a physician for appropriate medical direction if such direction is lacking. Treatment by an occupational therapist of such a medical case may take place only upon the referral of a physician, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician and surgeon, naturopath, chiropractor, physician assistant, psychologist, optometrist, or *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed to practice in this state.
[
2015 c 10 s 1
;
1999 c 333 s 3
;
1986 c 259 s 101
;
1984 c 9 s 11
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Savings
—
1986 c 259 ss 101, 103:
"The repeal of RCW 18.59.030
and
18.59.200
and the amendment of RCW 18.59.100
by this act shall not be construed as affecting any rights and duties which matured, penalties which were incurred, and proceedings which were begun before June 11, 1986." [
1986 c 259 s 104
.]
Severability
—
1986 c 259:
See note following RCW 18.130.010
.
PDF
RCW 18.59.100
Duty to refer medical cases.
(Effective June 30, 2027.)
An occupational therapist shall, after evaluating a patient and if the case is a medical one, refer the case to a physician for appropriate medical direction if such direction is lacking. Treatment by an occupational therapist of such a medical case may take place only upon the referral of a physician, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician and surgeon, naturopath, chiropractor, physician assistant, psychologist, optometrist, or advanced practice registered nurse licensed to practice in this state.
[
2025 c 58 s 5074
;
2015 c 10 s 1
;
1999 c 333 s 3
;
1986 c 259 s 101
;
1984 c 9 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170:
See note following RCW 7.68.030
.
Explanatory note
—
2025 c 58:
See note following RCW 1.16.050
.
Savings
—
1986 c 259 ss 101, 103:
"The repeal of RCW 18.59.030
and
18.59.200
and the amendment of RCW 18.59.100
by this act shall not be construed as affecting any rights and duties which matured, penalties which were incurred, and proceedings which were begun before June 11, 1986." [
1986 c 259 s 104
.]
Severability
—
1986 c 259:
See note following RCW 18.130.010
.
RCW 18.59.110
Applications
—
Licenses
—
Limited permits.
Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees shall be established as provided in RCW 43.70.250
and
43.70.280
for applications, initial and renewal licenses, and limited permits.
[
1996 c 191 s 41
;
1991 c 3 s 156
;
1985 c 7 s 58
;
1984 c 9 s 12
.]
RCW 18.59.120
Board of occupational therapy practice established
—
Members
—
Terms
—
Meetings
—
Compensation.
(1) There is established a board of occupational therapy practice. The board shall consist of five members appointed by the governor, who may consider the persons who are recommended for appointment by occupational therapy associations of the state. The members of the board shall be residents of the state. Four of the members shall have been engaged in rendering services to the public, teaching, or research in occupational therapy for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment. Three of these four board members shall be occupational therapists who shall at all times be holders of licenses for the practice of occupational therapy in the state, all of whom shall fulfill the requirements for licensure under this chapter. At least one member of the board shall be an occupational therapy assistant licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy, except for the initial member appointed to this position, who shall fulfill the requirements for licensure as a occupational therapy assistant under this chapter. The remaining member of the board shall be a member of the public with an interest in the rights of consumers of health services.
(2) Appointments shall be for three-year terms, but no person shall be appointed to serve more than two consecutive full terms. Terms shall begin on the first day of the calendar year and end on the last day of the calendar year or until successors are appointed, except for the initial appointed members, who shall serve through the last calendar day of the year in which they are appointed before commencing the terms prescribed by this section. The governor shall make appointments for vacancies in unexpired terms within ninety days after the vacancies occur.
(3) The board shall meet during the first month of each calendar year to select a chair and for other purposes. At least one additional meeting shall be held before the end of each calendar year. Further meetings may be convened at the call of the chair or the written request of any two board members. A majority of the board members appointed and serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of board business. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of the board is required to carry a motion or resolution, to adopt a rule, or to pass a measure. All meetings of the board shall be open to the public, except that the board may hold closed sessions to prepare, approve, grade, or administer examinations or, upon request of an applicant who fails an examination, to prepare a response indicating the reasons for the applicant's failure.
[
2022 c 240 s 19
;
2011 c 336 s 492
;
1984 c 9 s 13
.]
RCW 18.59.125
Board
—
Compensation
—
Travel expenses.
Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.265
. Members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the actual performance of their duties, as provided in RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
. The board is designated as a class five group for purposes of chapter
43.03
RCW.
[
2022 c 240 s 18
.]
RCW 18.59.130
Board
—
Powers and duties
—
Rules.
(1) The board shall administer, coordinate, and enforce this chapter, evaluate qualifications under this chapter, and provide for supervision of examinations of applicants for licensure under this chapter.
(2) The board may adopt such rules as it deems necessary in the administration of this chapter.
[
1986 c 259 s 102
;
1984 c 9 s 14
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 259:
See note following RCW 18.130.010
.
RCW 18.59.141
Application of uniform disciplinary act.
The uniform disciplinary act, chapter
18.130
RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.
[
1987 c 150 s 43
;
1986 c 259 s 100
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1987 c 150:
See RCW 18.122.901
.
Severability
—
1986 c 259:
See note following RCW 18.130.010
.
RCW 18.59.150
Board
—
Staff.
The secretary shall provide such administrative and investigative staff as are necessary for the board to carry out its duties under this chapter.
[
1991 c 3 s 157
;
1984 c 9 s 15
.]
RCW 18.59.160
Purchase, storage, and administration of medications
—
Restrictions
—
Liability.
An occupational therapist licensed under this chapter may purchase, store, and administer topical and transdermal medications such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, fluocinonide, topical anesthetics, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, and other similar medications for the practice of occupational therapy as prescribed by a health care provider with prescribing authority as authorized in RCW 18.59.100
. Administration of medication must be documented in the patient's medical record. Some medications may be applied by the use of iontophoresis and phonophoresis. An occupational therapist may not purchase, store, or administer controlled substances. A pharmacist who dispenses such drugs to a licensed occupational therapist is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by any method of use by the occupational therapist. Application of a topical medication to a wound is subject to RCW 18.59.170
.
[
2011 c 88 s 2
;
2009 c 68 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Rules
—
2011 c 88:
See note following RCW 18.59.170
.
RCW 18.59.170
Scope of practice
—
Wound care management.
(1)(a) An occupational therapist licensed under this chapter may provide wound care management only:
(i) In the course of occupational therapy treatment to return patients to functional performance in their everyday occupations under the referral and direction of a physician or other authorized health care provider listed in RCW 18.59.100
in accordance with their scope of practice. The referring provider must evaluate the patient prior to referral to an occupational therapist for wound care; and
(ii) After filing an affidavit under subsection (2)(b) of this section.
(b) An occupational therapist may not delegate wound care management, including any form of debridement.
(2)(a) Debridement is not an entry-level skill and requires specialized training, which must include: Indications and contraindications for the use of debridement; appropriate selection and use of clean and sterile techniques; selection of appropriate tools, such as scissors, forceps, or scalpel; identification of viable and devitalized tissues; and conditions which require referral back to the referring provider. Training must be provided through continuing education, mentoring, cotreatment, and observation. Consultation with the referring provider is required if the wound exposes anatomical structures underlying the skin, such as tendon, muscle, or bone, or if there is an obvious worsening of the condition, or signs of infection.
(b)(i) Occupational therapists may perform wound care management upon showing evidence of adequate education and training by submitting an affidavit to the board attesting to their education and training as follows:
(A) For occupational therapists performing any part of wound care management, except sharp debridement with a scalpel, a minimum of fifteen hours of mentored training in a clinical setting is required to be documented in the affidavit. Mentored training includes observation, cotreatment, and supervised treatment by a licensed occupational therapist who is authorized to perform wound care management under this section or a health care provider who is authorized to perform wound care management in his or her scope of practice. Fifteen hours mentored training in a clinical setting must include a case mix similar to the occupational therapist's expected practice;
(B) For occupational therapists performing sharp debridement with a scalpel, a minimum of two thousand hours in clinical practice and an additional minimum of fifteen hours of mentored sharp debridement training in the use of a scalpel in a clinical setting is required to be documented in the affidavit. Mentored training includes observation, cotreatment, and supervised treatment by a licensed occupational therapist who is authorized to perform sharp debridement with a scalpel under this section or a health care provider who is authorized to perform wound care management, including sharp debridement with a scalpel, in his or her scope of practice. Both the two thousand hours in clinical practice and the fifteen hours of mentored training in a clinical setting must include a case mix similar to the occupational therapist's expected practice.
(ii) Certification as a certified hand therapist by the hand therapy certification commission or as a wound care specialist by the national alliance of wound care or equivalent organization approved by the board is sufficient to meet the requirements of (b)(i) of this subsection.
(c) The board shall develop an affidavit form for the purposes of (b) of this subsection.
[
2011 c 88 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Rules
—
2011 c 88:
"The board of occupational therapy practice and the department of health are authorized to create rules necessary to implement this act." [
2011 c 88 s 4
.]
RCW 18.59.180
Occupational therapy licensure compact.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE
The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of occupational therapy with the goal of improving public access to occupational therapy services. The practice of occupational therapy occurs in the state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter. This compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.
This compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:
(1) Increase public access to occupational therapy services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;
(2) Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety;
(3) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate occupational therapy practice;
(4) Support spouses of relocating military members;
(5) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states;
(6) Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state's practice standards; and
(7) Facilitate the use of telehealth technology in order to increase access to occupational therapy services.
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS
As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Active duty military" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the national guard and reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. chapters 1209 and 1211.
(2) "Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, including actions against an individual's license or compact privilege such as censure, revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee's practice.
(3) "Alternative program" means a nondisciplinary monitoring process approved by an occupational therapy licensing board.
(4) "Compact privilege" means the authorization, which is equivalent to a license, granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an occupational therapist or practice as an occupational therapy assistant in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of occupational therapy occurs in the member state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter.
(5) "Continuing competence/education" means a requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of participation in, and/or completion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work.
(6) "Current significant investigative information" means investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.
(7) "Data system" means a repository of information about licensees including, but not limited to, license status, investigative information, compact privileges, and adverse actions.
(8) "Encumbered license" means a license in which an adverse action restricts the practice of occupational therapy by the licensee or said adverse action has been reported to the national practitioners data bank.
(9) "Executive committee" means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the commission.
(10) "Home state" means the member state that is the licensee's primary state of residence.
(11) "Impaired practitioner" means an individual whose professional practice is adversely affected by substance abuse, addiction, or other health-related conditions.
(12) "Investigative information" means information, records, and/or documents received or generated by an occupational therapy licensing board pursuant to an investigation.
(13) "Jurisprudence requirement" means the assessment of an individual's knowledge of the laws and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy in a state.
(14) "Licensee" means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the state to practice as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant.
(15) "Member state" means a state that has enacted the compact.
(16) "Occupational therapist" means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice occupational therapy.
(17) "Occupational therapy," "occupational therapy practice," and "practice of occupational therapy" mean the care and services provided by an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant as set forth in the member state's statutes and regulations.
(18) "Occupational therapy assistant" means an individual who is licensed by a state to assist in the practice of occupational therapy.
(19) "Occupational therapy compact commission" or "commission" means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the compact.
(20) "Occupational therapy licensing board" or "licensing board" means the agency of a state that is authorized to license and regulate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
(21) "Primary state of residence" means the state, also known as the home state, in which an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who is not active duty military declares a primary residence for legal purposes as verified by: Driver's license, federal income tax return, lease, deed, mortgage, or voter registration, or other verifying documentation as further defined by commission rules.
(22) "Remote state" means a member state other than the home state, where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.
(23) "Rule" means a regulation promulgated by the commission that has the force of law.
(24) "Single-state license" means an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant license issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing state and does not include a compact privilege in any other member state.
(25) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of occupational therapy.
(26) "Telehealth" means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver occupational therapy services for assessment, intervention, and/or consultation.
ARTICLE 3
STATE PARTICIPATION IN THIS COMPACT
(1) To participate in this compact, a member state shall:
(a) License occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants;
(b) Participate fully in the commission's data system including, but not limited to, using the commission's unique identifier as defined in rules of the commission;
(c) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about licensees;
(d) Notify the commission, in compliance with the terms of this compact and rules, of any adverse action or the availability of investigative information regarding a licensee;
(e) Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for an initial compact privilege. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record information from the federal bureau of investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state's criminal records.
(i) A member state shall, within a time frame established by the commission, require a criminal background check for a licensee seeking or applying for a compact privilege whose primary state of residence is that member state, by receiving the results of the federal bureau of investigation criminal record search, and shall use the results in making licensure decisions.
(ii) Communication between a member state, the commission, and among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through this compact shall not include any information received from the federal bureau of investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member state under P.L. 92-544;
(f) Comply with the rules of the commission;
(g) Utilize only a recognized national examination as a requirement for licensure pursuant to the rules of the commission; and
(h) Have continuing competence/education requirements as a condition for license renewal.
(2) A member state shall grant the compact privilege to a licensee holding a valid unencumbered license in another member state in accordance with the terms of this compact and rules.
(3) Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege.
(4) A member state shall provide for the state's delegate to attend all occupational therapy compact commission meetings.
(5) Individuals not residing in a member state shall continue to be able to apply for a member state's single-state license as provided under the laws of each member state. However, the single-state license granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting the compact privilege in any other member state.
(6) Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single-state license.
ARTICLE 4
COMPACT PRIVILEGE
(1) To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of this compact, the licensee shall:
(a) Hold a license in the home state;
(b) Have a valid United States social security number or national practitioner identification number;
(c) Have no encumbrance on any state license;
(d) Be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state in accordance with subsections (4), (6), (7), and (8) of this Article;
(e) Have paid all fines and completed all requirements resulting from any adverse action against any license or compact privilege, and two years have elapsed from the date of such completion;
(f) Notify the commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state or states;
(g) Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege;
(h) Complete a criminal background check in accordance with subsection (1)(e) of Article 3 of this compact. The licensee shall be responsible for the payment of any fee associated with the completion of a criminal background check;
(i) Meet any jurisprudence requirements established by the remote state or states in which the licensee is seeking a compact privilege; and
(j) Report to the commission adverse action taken by any nonmember state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.
(2) The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home state license. The licensee must comply with the requirements of subsection (1) of this Article to maintain the compact privilege in the remote state.
(3) A licensee providing occupational therapy in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.
(4) Occupational therapy assistants practicing in a remote state shall be supervised by an occupational therapist licensed or holding a compact privilege in that remote state.
(5) A licensee providing occupational therapy in a remote state is subject to that state's regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state's laws, remove a licensee's compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The licensee may be ineligible for a compact privilege in any state until the specific time for removal has passed and all fines are paid.
(6) If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:
(a) The home state license is no longer encumbered; and
(b) Two years have elapsed from the date on which the home state license is no longer encumbered in accordance with (a) of this subsection.
(7) Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to good standing, the licensee must meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this Article to obtain a compact privilege in any remote state.
(8) If a licensee's compact privilege in any remote state is removed, the individual may lose the compact privilege in any other remote state until the following occur:
(a) The specific period of time for which the compact privilege was removed has ended;
(b) All fines have been paid and all conditions have been met;
(c) Two years have elapsed from the date of completing requirements for (a) and (b) of this subsection; and
(d) The compact privileges are reinstated by the commission, and the compact data system is updated to reflect reinstatement.
(9) If a licensee's compact privilege in any remote state is removed due to an erroneous charge, privileges shall be restored through the compact data system.
(10) Once the requirements of subsection (8) of this Article have been met, the licensee must meet the requirements in subsection (1) of this Article to obtain a compact privilege in a remote state.
ARTICLE 5
OBTAINING A NEW HOME STATE LICENSE BY VIRTUE OF COMPACT PRIVILEGE
(1) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant may hold a home state license, which allows for compact privileges in member states, in only one member state at a time.
(2) If an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant changes primary state of residence by moving between two member states:
(a) The occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall file an application for obtaining a new home state license by virtue of a compact privilege, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current and new home state in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.
(b) Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new home state license by virtue of compact privilege, the new home state shall verify that the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant meets the pertinent criteria outlined in Article 4 of this compact via the data system, without need for primary source verification except for:
(i) A federal bureau of investigation fingerprint-based criminal background check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules adopted by the commission in accordance with P.L. 92-544;
(ii) Other criminal background check as required by the new home state; and
(iii) Submission of any requisite jurisprudence requirements of the new home state.
(c) The former home state shall convert the former home state license into a compact privilege once the new home state has activated the new home state license in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, if the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant cannot meet the criteria in Article 4 of this compact, the new home state shall apply its requirements for issuing a new single-state license.
(e) The occupational therapist or the occupational therapy assistant shall pay all applicable fees to the new home state in order to be issued a new home state license.
(3) If an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant changes primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a nonmember state, or from a nonmember state to a member state, the state criteria shall apply for issuance of a single-state license in the new state.
(4) Nothing in this compact shall interfere with a licensee's ability to hold a single-state license in multiple states; however, for the purposes of this compact, a licensee shall have only one home state license.
(5) Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single-state license.
ARTICLE 6
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR THEIR SPOUSES
Active duty military personnel, or their spouses, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, the individual shall only change his or her home state through application for licensure in the new state or through the process described in Article 5 of this compact.
ARTICLE 7
ADVERSE ACTIONS
(1) Home state shall have exclusive power to impose adverse action against an occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's license issued by the home state.
(2) In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall have the authority, in accordance with existing state due process law, to:
(a) Take adverse action against an occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's compact privilege within that member state; and
(b) Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses, as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a licensing board in a member state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the witnesses or evidence are located.
(3) For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.
(4) The home state shall complete any pending investigations of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who changes primary state of residence during the course of the investigations. The home state, where the investigations were initiated, shall also have the authority to take appropriate action or actions and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the occupational therapy compact commission data system. The occupational therapy compact commission data system administrator shall promptly notify the new home state of any adverse actions.
(5) A member state, if otherwise permitted by state law, may recover from the affected occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
(6) A member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of the remote state, provided that the member state follows its own procedures for taking the adverse action.
(7) Joint investigations.
(a) In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective state occupational therapy laws and regulations or other applicable state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees.
(b) Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under this compact.
(8) If an adverse action is taken by the home state against an occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's license, the occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's compact privilege in all other member states shall be deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse action against an occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's license shall include a statement that the occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's compact privilege is deactivated in all member states during the pendency of the order.
(9) If a member state takes adverse action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the home state of any adverse actions by remote states.
(10) Nothing in this compact shall override a member state's decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action.
ARTICLE 8
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COMPACT COMMISSION
(1) The compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the occupational therapy compact commission.
(a) The commission is an instrumentality of the compact states.
(b) Venue is proper, and judicial proceedings by or against the commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
(c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.
(2) Membership, voting, and meetings.
(a) Each member state shall have and be limited to one delegate selected by that member state's licensing board.
(b) The delegate shall be either:
(i) A current member of the licensing board, who is an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or public member; or
(ii) An administrator of the licensing board.
(c) Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the delegate is appointed.
(d) The member state board shall fill any vacancy occurring in the commission within 90 days.
(e) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the commission. A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.
(f) The commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.
(g) The commission shall establish by rule a term of office for delegates.
(3) The commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Establish a code of ethics for the commission;
(b) Establish the fiscal year of the commission;
(c) Establish bylaws;
(d) Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;
(e) Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this compact and the bylaws;
(f) Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of this compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states;
(g) Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the commission, provided that the standing of any state occupational therapy licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;
(h) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
(i) Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel including, but not limited to, employees of a member state;
(j) Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of this compact, and establish the commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;
(k) Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest;
(l) Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed; provided that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;
(m) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;
(n) Establish a budget and make expenditures;
(o) Borrow money;
(p) Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, state regulators, state legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this compact and the bylaws;
(q) Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;
(r) Establish and elect an executive committee; and
(s) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact consistent with the state regulation of occupational therapy licensure and practice.
(4) The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the commission according to the terms of this compact.
(a) The executive committee shall be composed of nine members:
(i) Seven voting members who are elected by the commission from the current membership of the commission;
(ii) One ex officio, nonvoting member from a recognized national occupational therapy professional association; and
(iii) One ex officio, nonvoting member from a recognized national occupational therapy certification organization.
(b) The ex officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.
(c) The commission may remove any member of the executive committee as provided in the bylaws.
(d) The executive committee shall meet at least annually.
(e) The executive committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(i) Recommend to the entire commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this compact legislation, fees paid by compact member states such as annual dues, and any commission compact fee charged to licensees for the compact privilege;
(ii) Ensure compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;
(iii) Prepare and recommend the budget;
(iv) Maintain financial records on behalf of the commission;
(v) Monitor compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the commission;
(vi) Establish additional committees as necessary; and
(vii) Perform other duties as provided in the rules or bylaws.
(5) Meetings of the commission.
(a) All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rule-making provisions in Article 10 of this compact.
(b) The commission or the executive committee or other committees of the commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic meeting if the commission or executive committee or other committees of the commission must discuss:
(i) Noncompliance of a member state with its obligations under this compact;
(ii) The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;
(iii) Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;
(iv) Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;
(v) Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;
(vi) Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;
(vii) Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(viii) Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
(ix) Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to this compact; or
(x) Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute.
(c) If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.
(d) The commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(6) Financing of the commission.
(a) The commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
(b) The commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.
(c) The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved by the commission each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.
(d) The commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.
(e) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in, and become part of, the annual report of the commission.
(7) Qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification.
(a) The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to, or loss of, property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by, or arising out of, any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this subsection (7)(a) shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.
(b) The commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.
(c) The commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.
ARTICLE 9
DATA SYSTEM
(1) The commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states.
(2) A member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this compact is applicable, utilizing a unique identifier, as required by the rules of the commission, including:
(a) Identifying information;
(b) Licensure data;
(c) Adverse actions against a license or compact privilege;
(d) Nonconfidential information related to alternative program participation;
(e) Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason or reasons for such denial;
(f) Other information that may facilitate the administration of this compact, as determined by the rules of the commission; and
(g) Current significant investigative information.
(3) Current significant investigative information and other investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will only be available to other member states.
(4) The commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will be available to any other member state.
(5) Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.
(6) Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system.
ARTICLE 10
RULE MAKING
(1) The commission shall exercise its rule-making powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this Article and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.
(2) The commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the commission exercises its rule-making authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the commission shall be invalid and have no force and effect.
(3) If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt this compact within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.
(4) Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the commission.
(5) Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or rules by the commission, and at least 30 days in advance of the meeting at which the rule will be considered and voted upon, the commission shall file a notice of proposed rule making:
(a) On the website of the commission or other publicly accessible platform; and
(b) On the website of each member state occupational therapy licensing board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.
(6) The notice of proposed rule making shall include:
(a) The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule will be considered and voted upon;
(b) The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule;
(c) A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and
(d) The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.
(7) Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.
(8) The commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:
(a) At least 25 persons;
(b) A state or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or
(c) An association or organization having at least 25 members.
(9) If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.
(a) All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.
(b) Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.
(c) All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available on request.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the commission at hearings required by this Article.
(10) Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.
(11) If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a public hearing.
(12) The commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rule-making record and the full text of the rule.
(13) Upon determination that an emergency exists, the commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rule-making procedures provided in this compact and in this Article shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this subsection, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:
(a) Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
(b) Prevent a loss of commission or member state funds;
(c) Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule; or
(d) Protect public health and safety.
(14) The commission or an authorized committee of the commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of 30 days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the commission.
ARTICLE 11
OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT
(1) Oversight.
(a) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate this compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.
(b) All courts shall take judicial notice of this compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the commission.
(c) The commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.
(2) Default, technical assistance, and termination.
(a) If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, the commission shall:
(i) Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and/or any other action to be taken by the commission; and
(ii) Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.
(b) If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be terminated from this compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.
(c) Termination of membership in this compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and each of the member states.
(d) A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.
(e) The commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from this compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the commission and the defaulting state.
(f) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the commission by petitioning the United States district court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
(3) Dispute resolution.
(a) Upon request by a member state, the commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the compact that arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.
(b) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
(4) Enforcement.
(a) The commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.
(b) By majority vote, the commission may initiate legal action in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of this compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
(c) The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law.
ARTICLE 12
DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED RULES, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT
(1) The compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth member state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of. Thereafter, the commission shall meet and exercise rule-making powers necessary to the implementation and administration of this compact.
(2) Any state that joins this compact subsequent to the commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which this compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day this compact becomes law in that state.
(3) Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.
(a) A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute.
(b) Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state's occupational therapy licensing board to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this compact prior to the effective date of withdrawal.
(4) Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any occupational therapy licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a nonmember state that does not conflict with the provisions of this compact.
(5) This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.
ARTICLE 13
CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY
This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any member state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any member state, this compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.
ARTICLE 14
BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS
(1) A licensee providing occupational therapy in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.
(2) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.
(3) Any laws in a member state in conflict with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
(4) Any lawful actions of the commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the commission, are binding upon the member states.
(5) All agreements between the commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.
(6) In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.
[
2022 c 152 s 1
.]
RCW 18.59.900
Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the occupational therapy practice act.
[
1984 c 9 s 1
.]