Support for the Occupational Therapy Compact gained momentum during the Michigan Legislature's Health Policy meeting on March 19, 2025. Representative Rogers presented House Bills 4103 and 4104, which aim to establish an interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapists and assistants. This initiative is designed to enhance licensure portability, allowing practitioners to work across state lines in participating states.

Rogers emphasized the importance of these bills, noting they are a reintroduction of previous legislation that had garnered significant support, passing the House with a 103 to 6 vote last term before stalling in the Senate. The compact would enable occupational therapists to practice based on a valid, unrestricted home state license, mirroring the existing Physical Therapy Compact.

While several professionals from the physical therapy field expressed their support for the bills without speaking, the meeting highlighted a collective push towards improving occupational therapy practices in Michigan. The anticipated outcome of these bills is a streamlined process for occupational therapists, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients by expanding access to care.

As the committee continues to review the proposed legislation, stakeholders are hopeful for a swift passage, which could significantly impact the occupational therapy landscape in Michigan.