Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
President’s Update to Members: OT Compact Progress & What You Need to Know
Dear FOTA Members,
I am pleased to provide you with an important update regarding the continued progress of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact)—a significant initiative advancing mobility, access, and efficiency within our profession.
Current Status: Compact Privileges Now Available
We are excited to share that compact privileges are now being issued in the following states:
- Virginia
- Indiana
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- West Virginia
At this time, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, and West Virginia have fully completed the integration process required to begin issuing compact privileges. Additional states are actively working toward implementation, though timelines will vary based on individual state regulatory processes.
What Is the OT Compact?
The OT Compact is a formal interstate agreement that allows licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) to practice across state lines through a “compact privilege,” rather than obtaining multiple individual state licenses.
This initiative—developed collaboratively by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy—represents a transformative step in increasing workforce mobility and improving access to care.
Key Points for Clinicians
Please take note of the following important considerations:
- Only practitioners licensed and residing in a fully integrated compact state are currently eligible to apply for privileges.
- Your home state must complete system integration before you can apply.
- All applications for compact privileges are completed through CompactConnect, the secure licensure data system.
- CompactConnect allows for real-time verification of licensure, streamlining the process significantly.
What This Means for Florida Practitioners
While Florida is a member of the OT Compact, we are still progressing through the integration phase. Until this process is complete:
- Florida-based practitioners cannot yet apply for compact privileges
- Continued collaboration with state licensing agencies remains essential
FOTA remains actively engaged in supporting this process and advocating for timely implementation to benefit our members and the communities we serve.
Looking Ahead
The OT Compact is a critical advancement for our profession—enhancing practice flexibility, workforce mobility, and patient access to occupational therapy services. As more states complete integration, we anticipate broader opportunities for clinicians nationwide. The FOTA will be actively pursuing an interstate compact facilitating interstate practice of occupational therapy.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the profession and for staying engaged in these important developments. FOTA will continue to keep you informed as progress unfolds.
With appreciation and commitment,
Dr. Antonette Fernandez
President, Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
FOTA Hill Day 2025 Recap: Advocacy in Action
On December 3, 2025, Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) led a powerful Hill Day advancing key legislative priorities for our profession.
Major Win:
Representative Anderson and Senator Calatayud have agreed to sponsor FOTA’s dry needling legislation; bringing us one step closer to expanding OT scope of practice in Florida.
Strong Voices, Real Impact:
Therapists and students from across the state met directly with legislators, sharing firsthand how dry needling benefits both practitioners and clients. These conversations made a difference.
Advocacy Continues:
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Monitoring interstate compact legislation
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Addressing Medicaid reimbursement concerns impacting pediatric providers
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Seeking member support to document reduced reimbursement contracts (80%)
Looking Ahead:
Momentum is strong, progress is real, and your involvement matters. Together, we’re shaping the future of occupational therapy in Florida.
Want more details?
Read the full summary of Hill Day outcomes here
Stay engaged. Speak up. Advocate forward.
— Sharon Rosenberg, CHT, OTR/L & Debora Oliveira, PhD, OTR/L
Advocacy Update: Expanding OT Scope of Practice in Florida
Did you know Occupational Therapists in many states are already permitted to perform dry needling to reduce pain and improve function?
Florida OTs are seeking the same opportunity to better serve patients — with the same training standards already required of PTs.
Click below to learn what this means for patient care, access, and cost-effective treatment.
Allow Occupational Therapists to Perform Dry Needling
HILL DAY January 14th, 2025 Recap:
The Florida Occupational Therapy Association held its annual Hill Day in Tallahassee on Tuesday, January 14th, in advance of the 2025 Legislative Session. Occupational therapists and students from throughout the state attended to advocate for the profession and advance FOTA’s legislative priorities. For the 2025 Session, FOTA is focused on pursuing legislation to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, sponsored by Representative Adam Anderson (Pinellas) and Senator Alexis Calatayud (Miami). FOTA met with numerous legislators who serve on the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee and Senate Health Policy Committee, in anticipation of the bills being referred to their committees. We also met with the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget, to discuss the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and ongoing challenges with Medicaid reimbursement.
The 60-day Legislative Session will officially begin on Tuesday, March 4th and is slated to end Friday, May 2nd, pending the Legislature’s passage of the constitutionally required FY2025-26 budget.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
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