The OT Licensure Compact Is Live: 3 States Begin Issuing Privileges in 2026

Big news for occupational therapy professionals: the OT Licensure Compact is officially operational.

In 2026, the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission began issuing compact privileges in Ohio, Minnesota, and West Virginia, marking the first time OTs can practice across state lines using compact privileges instead of applying for individual state licenses. This milestone represents a major step forward in improving licensure mobility, access to care, and career flexibility for OT practitioners nationwide.

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What Is the OT Licensure Compact?

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is an interstate agreement that allows eligible occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice in participating states with a single home state license. Instead of applying for multiple state licenses, clinicians can obtain compact privileges, reducing paperwork, time, and cost.

While the compact has been in development for several years, 2026 marks the transition from legislation to action.

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Which States Are Issuing Compact Privileges?

As of 2026, the first states to begin issuing OT Compact privileges are:

• Ohio

• Minnesota

• West Virginia

These states are leading the way in the initial rollout of the compact. More states are expected to begin issuing privileges as they complete final implementation steps.

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How the OT Compact Works

Here’s what clinicians should know:

• Your home state (primary state of residence) determines your compact eligibility

• Your home state must be enacted and issuing privileges

• Once eligible, you can practice in other participating compact states without obtaining separate licenses

• You must continue to meet all compact and state-specific requirements

If your home state isn’t issuing privileges yet, you can still practice in other states through traditional licensure while waiting for compact implementation to expand.

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Why This Matters for OTs

This update is a game-changer for occupational therapy professionals, especially those considering travel therapy, short-term contracts, or multi-state practice. Compact privileges mean:

• Faster access to new job opportunities

• Less administrative burden

• Lower licensing costs over time

• Greater career flexibility

As more states come online, OT mobility will continue to improve, making it easier to take your skills where they’re needed most.

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What’s Next?

The Compact Commission and state boards are actively working to bring more states into the issuing phase. If you’re an OT or OTA, now is the perfect time to:

• Check your home state’s compact status

• Stay informed on rollout updates

• Prepare for multi-state opportunities

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Ready to Put Compact Privileges to Work?

At Ardor Health Solutions, we help OTs navigate licensure, housing, and travel assignments across the country. Whether you’re ready to travel now or just exploring your options, our recruiters are here to help you make the most of this new era of licensure mobility.

👉 Learn more at www.ardorhealth.com or connect with a recruiter today.

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