Published on Apr 21, 2026
RICHMOND, VA — April is National Occupational Therapy Month, and Virginia is celebrating with a major milestone: the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is now fully operational at the Virginia Board of Medicine. This means occupational therapists from other Compact states can practice in Virginia—either in person or via telehealth—through a streamlined “compact privilege.” Virginia therapists can also use the Compact to work in other member states with ease.
“Interstate licensing compacts open doors for both patients and providers,” said Dr. William Harp, executive director of the Virginia Board of Medicine. “Patients gain greater access to care, and providers can reach more people who need their expertise.”
Virginia joined the OT Compact in 2021, and more compacts are on the horizon, including the Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care, and Athletic Trainer compacts. These efforts build on the success of long‑standing agreements like the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The NLC has expanded patient access, strengthened the nursing workforce, and made it easier for nurses to respond quickly during emergencies.
Claire Morris, executive director of the Board of Nursing, noted the personal value of multi-state privileges: “As a nurse, I can care for a loved one in another state while continuing to work seamlessly. That flexibility is a tremendous benefit for caregivers and their families.”
Licensing compacts are especially important in times of crisis and for mobile professionals, including military spouses who relocate frequently. With several military bases in Virginia, these agreements help skilled professionals continue serving communities without unnecessary delays.
Today, Virginia participates in a growing list of compacts. Compacts for audiology and speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, and psychology are currently active in Virginia, while compacts for dentistry, physician assistants, counseling, and social work licensees are in the process of promulgating regulations for implementation.
“We are focused on strengthening the path from training to practice and making sure our workforce can respond to the Commonwealth’s health and human services needs,” said Secretary Figueroa. “Licensing compacts are a practical step in that direction. They remove unnecessary barriers, expand access, and ensure that Virginians can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”