Pennsylvania One Step Closer to Joining Occupational Therapy Compact Following Passage of Boscola Bill

February 4, 2026

HARRISBURG, PA - February 4, 2026 - Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) announced today that the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee unanimously approved her legislation, Senate Bill 571, authorizing Pennsylvania's participation in the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The committee also advanced House Bill 482 (Markosek), the House companion measure.

Occupational therapists play a critical role in helping Pennsylvanians regain independence and improve quality of life following injury, illness, or disability. Across the Commonwealth, OTs provide essential services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings, supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families.

"Occupational therapists help Pennsylvanians of all ages recover, adapt, and live more independently," Boscola said. "This compact is a practical step to strengthen our workforce and improve access to care while maintaining high professional standards."

Under current law, occupational therapists licensed in Pennsylvania must navigate separate licensure processes and administrative requirements to practice in other states, even when those states maintain comparable licensure standards. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact streamlines that process by allowing qualified practitioners to practice across state lines while preserving each state's authority over scope of practice and discipline.

The compact has been enacted by 32 states, including Pennsylvania's neighbors Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. By joining the compact, Pennsylvania would be better positioned to attract experienced occupational therapists from other states and retain students trained here who want the flexibility to practice more broadly.

"Joining the compact will help Pennsylvania remain competitive, strengthen our health care workforce, and ensure patients can access timely, high-quality occupational therapy services," Boscola said. "I appreciate the committee's bipartisan support and look forward to seeing this legislation continue to move forward."