Representative Young and Representative Holtorf introduced House Bill 21-1279, Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact.
The bill enters Colorado into the Occupational Therapy Licensure Interstate Compact, pending its adoption by ten or more states.  The compact requires that member states recognize licenses for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants issued by any other member state, including practicing telehealth services, and establishes minimum criteria for such licenses, including that all practitioners in member state must obtain a background check.  Credentialed practitioners in a member state can apply for the privilege to practice in another member state, and the compact grants member states the authority to charge a fee for such privilege.

The bill grants the Department of Regulatory Agencies the authority to promulgate rules to implement the compact, to appoint members to the compact’s governing commission, and to report data to the commission, as determined by rule.

Ms. Kalfas responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsors and committee members made closing remarks on the bill.