Healthcare (Licensing)

Authorizes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be eligible for a limited permit once they meet all requirements for admission to the licensing examination instead of after graduating.

Authorizes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be eligible for a limited permit once they meet all requirements for admission to the licensing examination instead of after graduating.

Adopts the Interstate Massage Compact to support the mobility of licensed massage therapists by creating an additional licensing pathway to create reciprocity among participant states and reduce the barriers to license portability.

Provides for the licensing of professional and clinical music therapists encompassing the assessment, evaluation, and the therapeutic intervention and treatment of mental, emotional, developmental and behavioral disorders through the use of music.

This bill establishes a licensing system for two specific professions: orientation and mobility specialists (who help visually impaired people navigate safely) and vision rehabilitation therapists (who provide training for daily living skills). It defines these roles, sets education and training requirements for licenses, and creates a state board with representation from both professionals and the visually impaired community. Only licensed individuals may use these titles or provide these services, and the law explicitly states these specialists cannot prescribe optical devices. The bill directly affects visually impaired residents (including those legally blind or partially sighted) who seek these services and the professionals working in this field.

Adopts the Interstate Massage Compact to support the mobility of licensed massage therapists by creating an additional licensing pathway to create reciprocity among participant states and reduce the barriers to license portability.