OT Compact Commission Update

The OT Compact Is Now Live

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is officially operational. This is a major milestone for occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) across the country - including here in Washington.

The OT Compact is a formal interstate agreement that allows OTs and OTAs licensed in good standing in a member state to practice in other member states using a "compact privilege." A compact privilege is equivalent to a state license.

Which States Are Now Issuing Compact Privileges?

As of March 2026, five states have completed the system integration process and are accepting compact privilege applications through CompactConnect, the OT Compact's national data system:

• Minnesota – began accepting applications January 12, 2026
  
  
• Ohio – began accepting applications January 12, 2026
  
  
• West Virginia – began accepting applications January 12, 2026
  
  
• Indiana – began accepting applications March 9, 2026
  
  
• Virginia – recently joined the above states in issuing privileges

Of the 32 compact member states, only these five have completed integration at this time.

What This Means for Washington Practitioners

Washington is an OT Compact member state. However, Washington has not yet opened compact privilege applications. Each state completes integration with CompactConnect at its own pace, and the OT Compact administrators do not set individual state timelines.

This means:

• Washington-licensed OTs and OTAs cannot yet apply for compact privileges to practice in other states through the OT Compact.
  
  
• Washington cannot yet issue compact privileges to OTs or OTAs licensed in other member states.
  
  
• Until Washington completes integration and your application is approved, you must hold a separate state license to practice in any state where you wish to provide OT services.

How to Apply (When Your State Is Ready)

When your home state goes live, you will apply for compact privileges through the OT Compact's CompactConnect system - not through state licensing boards.

To be eligible, you must:

• Hold an active, unencumbered home state license
  
  
• Meet all eligibility requirements under the OT Compact
  
  
• Pay applicable fees (Washington's compact privilege fee is $125.00 for renewal)
  
  
• Meet any jurisprudence requirements established by the remote state where you seek to practice

Stay Informed

The OT Compact Commission updates its website regularly. Visit otcompact.gov for the most current list of states accepting applications, application instructions, and CompactConnect resources.