Keeping Law SimpleLegislation, clearly explained
Back to Alaska
Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB172

Alaska SB 172: Enacting the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill enacts a compact agreement into Alaska law that allows licensed occupational therapists and assistants from other member states to practice in Alaska without obtaining a separate state license.

What it does

  • Amends existing laws to require the board to implement both the Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact and the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.
  • Creates Article 4A of AS 08.84 to officially enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact into Alaska statutes.
  • Allows licensed therapists from other member states to practice in Alaska using a 'compact privilege' instead of applying for a full state license.
  • Establishes shared data systems so that licensing boards can exchange information about investigations and disciplinary actions between states.
  • Defines specific terms like 'Home State,' 'Remote State,' and 'Encumbered License' within the compact agreement.

Who it affects

  • Occupational therapists who hold a license in Alaska or other member states.
  • Occupational therapy assistants licensed in participating jurisdictions.
  • The state board responsible for licensing physical and occupational therapists.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill text does not state a specific effective date for when this law will take effect.
  • The compact only applies if other states also pass laws joining it; Alaska cannot join alone without other member states.
  • Therapists with an 'encumbered license' or those under investigation may be denied a compact privilege.

Plain language

Terms to know

Compact Privilege
Authorization granted by a Remote State to allow a Licensee from another Member State to practice as an Occupational Therapist or Assistant under that state's laws, equivalent to a license.
Home State
The member state where the therapist lives and holds their primary residence.
Encumbered License
A license that has restrictions on practice due to an adverse action or has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (S) REFERRED TO FINANCE1255
  2. (S) FN1: ZERO(CED)1255
  3. (S) NR: DUNBAR, MERRICK, GRAY-JACKSON, YUNDT1255
  4. (S) DP: BJORKMAN1255
  5. (S) L&C RPT 1DP 4NR1255
  6. (S) Minutes (SL&C)Min
  7. (S) Moved SB 172 Out of Committee -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --Text
  8. (S) LABOR & COMMERCE at 01:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
  9. (S) Minutes (SL&C)Min
  10. (S) Heard & HeldText
  11. (S) LABOR & COMMERCE at 01:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
  12. (S) L&C, FIN858
  13. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS858