HB5270 Summary: Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Act

• Illinois ratifies the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which allows occupational therapists and assistants to practice across member states through a "Compact Privilege" without obtaining separate licenses in each state.

• Establishes the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission as a national administrative body with representatives from each member state to develop rules, maintain a data system tracking licensees and adverse actions, and oversee compact implementation.

• Member states must license occupational therapists and assistants, participate in the Commission's data system, conduct criminal background checks, and use a recognized national examination for licensure.

• Licensees must hold a valid home state license, have no license encumbrances, complete criminal background checks, and meet jurisprudence requirements to exercise the Compact Privilege in remote states.

• The compact becomes effective when enacted in the tenth member state; allows states to withdraw with six months' notice; and provides mechanisms for dispute resolution, enforcement, and termination of non-compliant states.