Senate committee approves occupational‑therapy licensure compact after amendment to protect legislative oversight

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on May 21 voted to pass House Bill 1082, a voluntary interstate compact that would allow licensed occupational therapists and therapy assistants to obtain practice privileges in other member states.

Sponsor testimony described the compact as a mechanism to let therapists move between member states without changing Arkansas’s scope of practice; the bill’s sponsor stressed the compact is voluntary and “has no effect on scope of practice.” The committee adopted an amendment to confirm that the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) retains the ability to review and contest commission rules during the interim, preserving legislative oversight.

Taylor Riddle, representing the Occupational Therapy Association for Arkansas, said the compact is modeled on existing pacts and noted a letter of endorsement from the Department of Defense. Riddle told the committee that a remote state may, consistent with due process and its laws, remove a licensee’s compact privilege, impose fines, and notify member states when administrative action is taken. Riddle also described typical commission administrative costs and said fees are generally spread across members; she cited the psychology compact’s published assessment cap as an example.

Outside testimony came from provider Deidra Branscomb of Rogers, who said Arkansas needs more therapists and urged lawmakers to "open up the floodgates" to increase access to services. Branscomb warned that a hypothetical $6,000 assessment cap discussed in committee would be prohibitive if interpreted as a per‑person fee; witnesses clarified that the cap is a marker for the compact commission and not a per‑individual annual charge, and that expected per‑member costs discussed were in the range of roughly $30–$40 per year per participating licensee.

Committee members pressed witnesses on who would oversee the compact commission, how fees would be set and audited, and whether Arkansas could withdraw. Witnesses said each state’s licensing board appoints a representative to the commission, the commission is responsible for financial reporting, and Arkansas retains the option to withdraw from the compact if it chooses. The committee approved the amendment and then passed HB1082 as amended by voice vote.

The committee did not record a roll‑call tally for this item in the transcript; the chair declared the bill passed.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after passing HB1082.