January [ENTER DATE], 2021
Dear [Ms./Mr.] [ENTER LAST NAME],
I am writing in support of the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (SB0139/HB TBD). The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) created the interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapists to support license portability. As an occupational therapist, I agree that the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact bill would support members of my profession across state lines to provide continuity of care, improve access to occupational therapy services, and support relocation of occupational therapy professionals.
We understand that this Licensure Compact will go into effect once 10 states pass identical legislation. The Maryland Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) has also expressed support for this bill, placing Maryland at the forefront of this legislation and advancing the interests of occupational therapists in Maryland and surrounding areas. We are certain that legislation will soon be introduced in both Delaware and Virginia, with Pennsylvania soon to follow, which incentivizes Maryland even further to take a lead in a regional approach to OT licensing. As a state bordering four other states and the District of Columbia, many occupational therapists stand to benefit from this legislation. Ease of practicing across state lines will allow traveling therapists, military families, and telehealth providers to improve access to care for all types of clients. The OT Compact will increase licensure portability while allowing member state regulatory boards to better protect consumers through enhanced sharing of licensure information. Existing interstate occupational licensure compacts have been successful in reducing barriers for practitioners who wish to provide services in other states.
It is important to note that the OT Compact preserves each member state’s authority to regulate the profession. Practitioners utilizing the OT Compact must abide by the laws and rules of the state in which they are practicing, including adhering to that state’s scope of practice.
In addition, [IF POSSIBLE, CUSTOMIZE WITH YOUR OWN EXAMPLES OF HOW THE COMPACT WOULD ALLOW YOUR PATIENTS TO MORE EASILY RECEIVE CARE, OR YOU TO PROVIDE CARE IN STATES OTHER THAN MARYLAND]
Thank you for considering my support of SB0139 – The Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. I look forward to your support for this bill.
Sincerely,
[ADD YOUR NAME
YOUR TITLE
YOUR FACILITY NAME]