On April 25, 2022, Tennessee became the 19th state to enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The OT Licensure Compact Committee has begun the work of drafting compact rules. As we await the compact agreement, please review these helpful links for FAQs related to the OT Licensure Compact.
What is the licensure compact?
The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an interstate compact, or formal agreement among states, that facilitates interstate practice of occupational therapy.
Under the OT Compact, Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) who are licensed in good standing in a Compact member state may practice in other Compact member states via a “compact privilege,” which is equivalent to a license. OT Compact Privileges to Practice are expected to be available in late 2023 or early 2024.
Where can I find the latest updates on my ability to practice under the compact?
OTCompact.com has a “Privilege to Practice Status Update” page where interested practitioners can view the most current information and learn about the application process.
OT Compact Update – Fall 2026
As of October 5, two new states participating in the OT Compact Agreement – both neighboring Tennessee – have enacted OT Compact privileges: Mississippi and Arkansas!
At this time, individuals who live and hold an active OT or OTA license in Tennessee (or any of the other states listed below) can obtain Compact privileges to practice in other OT Compact states that are also issuing privileges. Participating states are as follow:
- Mississippi (new as of Oct. 5!)
- Arkansas (new as of Oct. 5!)
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
This expansion provides even more opportunities for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice across state lines through the OT Compact.
For information about eligibility and the application process, visit the “Before You Apply for an OT Compact Privilege” page at www.otcompact.org.
For more in-depth information about the OT Compact Agreement, check out OT the recording from an AOTA webinar held June 28, 2026. This recording can be accessed for free by “purchasing” the following webinar/course in the AOTA Store: The OT Compact is Live: How to Apply for Practice Privileges. Details here: https://myaota.aota.org/s/
Where can I learn more?
OTCompact.com has excellent Compact News and FAQ pages that are regularly updated.
Tennessee looks forward to participating in the OT Compact once it is launched!
Self-Paced Continuing Education Course
The OT Licensure Compact in Tennessee: What Students and Practitioners Need to Know
This one-hour continuing education course is designed to provide OT practitioners and OT/OTA students in Tennessee with essential updates on the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Attendees will learn about the Compact’s purpose, requirements, and benefits, as well as Tennessee’s specific implementation process.
TNOTA members should use this guide to register: https://www.aspireoted.com/
The course is in the self-paced section which is alphabetized.