43-40.1-01. Purpose

43-40.1-01. Purpose 1. 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 is located at the time of the patient encounter. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. 2. This compact is designed to: a. Increase public access to occupational therapy services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses; b. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety; c. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate occupational therapy practice; d. Support spouses of relocating military members; e. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states; f. 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 g. Facilitate the use of telehealth technology to increase access to occupational therapy services.