Senate workforce panel gives due pass to occupational therapy compact, acts on three other licensure bills

The North Dakota Senate Workforce Development Committee voted unanimously to recommend passage of Senate Bill 2146, the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, after testimony from practitioners, trade groups and the Council of State Governments. The committee also acted on several other licensure bills during the same session: it gave a due pass to Senate Bill 2042, voted a do‑not‑pass recommendation on Senate Bill 2041, and approved Senate Bill 2110 as amended to add an administrative procedure and judicial review section.

Occupational therapy compact (SB2146)

Senator Kristin Norris introduced SB2146 and representatives from the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association (NDOTA), the North Dakota Hospital Association and the North Dakota Military Commission testified in favor.

Megan Boucher, an occupational therapist and vice president for legislation and practice on NDOTA’s board of management, said the compact would help address workforce shortages and reduce delays for practitioners seeking to begin work after moving to the state. “Joining the compact would allow OTs and COTAs to practice in North Dakota…