Effective June 1, 2023, thirty states will have the necessary regulations in place to issue compact privileges to Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. As noted on the PT Compact website: “The Physical Therapy Compact is an interstate agreement between member states to provide a state-developed collaborative structure to protect the public by increasing consumer access to physical therapy services by reducing regulatory barriers to interstate mobility and cross-state practice.” Additional states continue to pursue both the necessary legislative as well as regulatory requirements for Physical Therapy Compact Privileges.
The following states have the necessary signed legislation and regulations in place to issue compact privileges for PTs and PTAs:
BACKGROUND
Interstate compacts are contracts between states in which an agreement is created on a variety of issues. The most common example of an interstate compact involves the issuance of driver’s licenses. An individual receives a driver’s license in one state and is therefore permitted to drive in other states as per the laws of each individual state.
Since 2010, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), has led the development effort for interstate licensure compact legislation for Physical Therapy. Oregon was the first state to enact Physical Therapy Licensure Compact legislation in March of 2016 and many other states quickly followed. Once legislation is enacted by a state, the necessary regulations must be in place prior to issuing a compact privilege. The PT Compact Commission is the governing body established to oversee this new process.
Also of note, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), released a Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters article titled “Medicare Clarifies Recognition of Interstate License Compacts”. This article clarifies CMS’ recognition of interstate license compacts as valid and full licenses for purposes of meeting federal license requirements.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A Powerback Regulatory Notes document is available to provide a summary of practical information on compact privileges for Powerback leadership, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Powerback Rehabilitation and Powerback Respiratory email inquiry system at askregulatory@powerbackrehab.com.
