On April 25, 2017, the PT Licensure Compact (PTLC) was enacted. For physical therapists and physical therapist assistants whose home state actively issues and accepts compact licenses, they will have the option of compact privilege to work in the other participating states. This will immensely simplify the effort needed for travelers to work in multiple states. (UPDATE: Find a current map of participating states here)
The licensure process will be similar to applying for an individual state license, including fees, and will be completed through the Compact Commission. In order to apply for compact licensure, you will need a current license in your home state and your home state must be part of the compact. The commission will have access to individuals’ state records who are applying for compact privileges to determine eligibility.
According to an update from the American Physical Therapy Association, these additional requirements must be met by all applicants:
- No limitations from any state on a license to practice.
- Current license must not have any disciplinary actions against it for at least two years.
- Any jurisprudence requirements required by a compact state where a therapist is requesting privileges must be met.
- Adverse regulatory board actions from a nonparticipating state must be reported within 30 days.
In the meantime, the commission is meeting to establish bylaws and rules upon which they will operate. We are officially in the post-enactment period, and estimates are 12 to 18 months after the April enactment date for the new process to go live. Based on that, by late summer 2018, PT and PTA travelers should have the option to apply for compact privilege.
Want to learn more about what this will mean for you as a traveling therapist? The FSBPT is a great resource to keep up on the status of the PTLC.