Jan 18, 2026

MN, OH & WV Go Live with the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact — What You Need to Know

The occupational therapy field has reached a major milestone! As of January 12, 2026, Minnesota, Ohio, and West Virginia have begun issuing OT Compact privileges, making it easier for licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) to practice across state lines.

This new chapter in occupational therapy licensure is especially exciting for traveling therapists, those pursuing telehealth practice, and individuals relocating for work or personal reasons. Here’s what you need to know and how this impacts both practitioners and healthcare facilities.

What Is the OT Licensure Compact?

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an interstate agreement that allows occupational therapy practitioners to practice in multiple participating states under a simplified process. Instead of applying for a separate license in each state, OTs and OTAs can obtain a “compact privilege” to practice in other member states,  provided they are licensed and residing in a participating state.

The OT Compact is modeled after other professional licensing compacts (like the Nurse Licensure Compact), and it helps:

1. Increase access to OT services
2. Reduce administrative barriers for practitioners
3. Improve workforce mobility
4. Support telehealth and remote-based practice
5. Enhance continuity of care for patients and families

Why MN, OH & WV Going Live Matters

While over 30 states have enacted the OT Compact into law, only a handful have completed the technical and administrative steps needed to issue compact privileges. Minnesota, Ohio, and West Virginia are the first states to officially begin issuing these privileges, meaning practitioners in these states can now start benefiting from the compact.

Here’s how it works in practice:

●    Licensed and residing in a Compact state: To apply for compact privileges, an OT or OTA must hold an active license in good standing and make their home in one of the participating states.

●    Compact privileges vs. state licenses: A privilege to practice through the compact is not a replacement for a standard state license, but it does mean you can practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses there.

●    Criminal background check: Some states, like West Virginia, require an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check before compact privileges can be obtained.

This initial rollout sets the stage for more states to finalize their Compact Connect system integrations, a secure data system that verifies licensure in real time,  so practitioners in other member states will soon be able to apply as well.

What This Means for Occupational Therapy Careers

For OTs and OTAs, the compact offers a number of professional advantages:

●    Easier interstate mobility: Whether you’re a travel therapist or planning to relocate, the compact streamlines cross-state practice.

●    Telehealth opportunities: The compact supports remote service delivery across member states, expanding where and how practitioners can provide care.

●    Hiring flexibility: Facilities, and staffing agencies like Aequor, can recruit from a broader talent pool and place providers more quickly across state lines.

For example, a therapist who lives in Ohio and holds an Ohio OT license can elect to use a compact privilege to practice in Minnesota or West Virginia, and other participating states, without obtaining full individual licenses in each one. Check out Aequor’s State Licensing Map for more information about participating states in the OT compact and individual state licensing requirements.

The rollout of compact privileges in Minnesota, Ohio, and West Virginia represents a major stride toward a more flexible, accessible occupational therapy workforce. For practitioners eager to grow their careers and for healthcare facilities striving to fill critical roles more efficiently, the OT Compact is a game changer.

At Aequor, we’re excited to support OT professionals navigating this evolving landscape and help connect you with the right opportunities. Connect with an Aequor recruiter, or browse our available openings, to get started on your next travel OT position.

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