HB 137 Summary

• Enacts the Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact to allow physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice across member states using a "compact privilege" instead of obtaining separate licenses in each state.

• Establishes a Physical Therapy Compact Commission composed of delegates from member states to oversee administration, promulgate rules, manage a data system for licensure and disciplinary information, and enforce compliance.

• Requires applicants for physical therapy licensure to undergo fingerprinting and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks, with results submitted to the Department of Public Safety for evaluation.

• Sets out the compact privilege requirements including holding an unencumbered license in a home state, having no adverse actions in the previous 2 years, meeting remote state jurisprudence requirements, and paying applicable fees.

• Effective date is July 1, 2024; current licensees may continue practicing under existing licenses until normal expiration; compact becomes operational when enacted in the tenth member state.