After a lengthy process, the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact has finally become a reality. Like your counterparts in registered nursing, physical therapists and physical therapy assistants can now practice in multiple states without having to apply for individual state licenses.

This physical therapy licensure compact has been a long time coming, with the first state signing this into law in 2000. However, it wasn’t until last year when ten states—the minimum number required to pass the compact—agreed to join. Today, three states are issuing compact privileges with seventeen more expected to begin doing so this year.

“By reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining the licensing process, this compact increases access to PT services across the country,” says Robert Palermo, a Managing Director within The Execu|Search Group’s Healthcare division. “It also has a ton of benefits for physical therapy practitioners. If you need to relocate for familial or military purposes, plan on working as a travel therapist, or want to practice telemedicine, the physical therapy licensure compact makes it much more efficient and cost-effective.”

To be eligible for a Compact Privilege, you must meet each of these requirements:

• Hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in your home state of residence, which must be actively issuing compact privileges
• Your home state must be a member of the PT Compact
• You cannot have any active encumbrances or any disciplinary action against your license for a period of two years
• The state where you are seeking a compact privilege must be a member of the PT Compact and actively issuing compact privileges

Practitioners who meet these eligibility requirements can start purchasing their Compact Privilege, and costs will vary by state. For the latest information on the Compact, visit: http://ptcompact.org/ and https://www.apta.org/.