Video & Transcript : 'occupational therapist' :
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MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation and Infrastructure 26-06-24
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- is a very straightforward bill that updates Michigan law to allow nurse practitioners, physical therapists
- , and occupational therapists to certify applications for disability windshield placards and disability
- This bill updates Michigan law to allow nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists
- and occupational therapists who are often directly involved... ...years and expands it to include physical
- therapists and occupational therapists who are often directly involved in evaluating mobility limitations
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met with a quorum present and adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up House Bill 5644, which would allow nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to certify applications for disability windshield placards and disability license plates. The sponsor and witnesses from the nursing profession said the bill restores a practice that had worked for years, reduces delays and extra costs for patients, and improves access, especially in rural and underserved areas. A Department of State representative explained the issue arose after an Auditor General review found the statute was unclear. The bill was reported to the floor on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 791, which would designate a portion of I-475 in Genesee County as the St. John Street Community Memorial Highway. Senator Cherry and representatives of the St. John Street Historical Committee described the history of the St. John Street neighborhood in Flint, its displacement by urban renewal and highway construction, and the effort to memorialize the community’s cultural significance and trauma. No members asked questions, and the bill was reported to the floor unanimously, 10-0.
House Bill 4415, previously heard by the committee, was also reported to the floor without further testimony. The committee then considered Senate Bill 959, which had a new S-2 substitute. Senator Klinefelt explained the substitute as a compromise that reorganizes rail detector regulations and changes distance and speed thresholds for Class 1, 2, and 3 rail lines. The substitute was adopted 10-0. After additional comments from Senator McBroom opposing the bill due to concerns about impacts on Upper Peninsula commerce and rail operations, the committee reported the S-2 version of Senate Bill 959 to the floor by a 6-4 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Mar 11th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Mar 11th, 2026
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a respiratory therapist compact bill.
- respiratory therapists.
- Respiratory care therapists are the paramedics inside the hospital.
- I was a respiratory therapist before we even had licensure.
- I am a registered respiratory therapist.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 1233. Members adopted several amendments, including language allowing the Boards of Therapeutic Massage and Chiropractors to seek emergency suspension of licenses when there are criminal indictments or charges that could harm citizens; extending the RX CARES for Missouri prescription drug abuse prevention program by removing its sunset; updating pharmacy distributor licensing language to reflect national licensing practices; clarifying pharmacist immunization authority, including RSV immunizations and board oversight for future immunizations; allowing certain long-term care facility employees to administer additional subcutaneous medications; and adopting agreed-upon language related to interior designers. The committee then rolled those amendments into a committee substitute and voted the bill do pass by a 16-1 roll call vote.
The committee then heard House Bills 2618 and 2644, which would join Missouri to the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. The bill sponsors said the compact would improve licensure portability for respiratory therapists, help address workforce shortages, and allow Missouri to be among the first states shaping the compact’s commission. Supporters, including respiratory therapists, a hospital association representative, a student and military spouse, and a nursing association representative, said the compact would speed access to qualified therapists, aid rural and hospital care, help during emergencies like COVID-19, and benefit military families. Several witnesses emphasized that participating states would still retain their own licensing standards and scope-of-practice authority.
Opponents argued that the compact would surrender state sovereignty to an unformed commission, create a “blank check” before the rules are written, and potentially allow rules to supersede state law. They also raised constitutional concerns about interstate compacts and questioned whether a reciprocal licensing approach would be preferable. Committee members asked about sovereignty, the legal basis for compacts, and whether Missouri could preserve its standards; sponsors and supporters responded that the compact would not remove state authority and that Missouri could still require its own standards. The hearing concluded without a vote on the respiratory compact bills.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government. (2-4-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- licensing requirements and standards, occupational license fees, inspections, advertising, hours of
- licensing requirements and standards, occupational license fees, inspections, advertising, hours of
- The bill expressly massage therapists.
- </c><00:04:15.439><c> licensing</c> business or occupational licensing business or occupational licensing
- /c> requirements and standards, occupational requirements and standards, occupational license<00:04:19.440
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- We will go back to the Occupational Therapist Licensure Compact.
- We will go back to the Occupational Therapist Licensure Compact.
- therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students.
- I have been an occupational therapist... ...for 46 years and am an experienced occupational therapist
- The compact addresses this crisis by enabling qualified occupational therapists and occupational therapy
Summary:
The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards.
The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation.
Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 19th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to item E, which is a review of reports from occupational authorization entities, the Arkansas
- We appreciate the opportunity to be here and present our occupational licensing report for this cycle
- Our board licenses physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.
- We are a member of the Compact Commission, and there are 222 physical therapists through the Compact.
- There are 222 physical therapists through the Compact and 82 physical therapist assistants who currently
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- therapist, a school psychologist, and other non-instructional positions such as business managers.
- Pathologist, an occupational therapist, school psychologist, and other non-instructional positions such
- Staff such as school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and special
- therapist, and special education administrators.
- therapists who travel over here every day from Pocatello.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Candace Eto, the executive officer for the Occupational Therapist Program, and the department stands
- </c><01:09:52.000><c> therapist</c> officer for the occupational therapist officer for the occupational
- When we look at the scope for physical therapists and occupational therapists, they really talk about
- </c><01:17:11.639><c> and</c><01:17:11.800><c> an</c><01:17:12.000><c> occupational</c> physical therapist
- and an occupational physical therapist and an occupational therapist<01:17:13.080><c> they</c><01:17
Summary:
The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken.
The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers.
HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 4th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any occupational licensing currently that I'm just not aware of?
- :14:57.640><c> licensing</c> Are there any occupational licensing Are there any occupational licensing
- And we just did that with massage therapists.
- And we just did that with massage<00:23:49.360><c> therapists.
- But workforce gives massage therapists.
Bills:
HB163, HB344, HB163, HB344, SB11, SB92, SB164, HB22, HB89, SB227, SB6, SB11, SB92, SB164, HB22, HB89, SB227, SB6
Keywords:
income tax, research expenditures, economic development, tax deductions, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Alabama tax law, educational intervention, State Superintendent, local boards of education, subpoena, accountability, state control, property improvement, private financing, energy efficiency, capital expenditure, local government, volunteer fire departments, federally insured financial institutions, fund management
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Bureau Chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau of the Division of Occupational and Professional
- Docket 24-0601-2501, Rules for the Licensure of Occupational Therapist Fee Rule, pending rule, page 434
- ... ...one-stop shop where they can go through and look up to see whether their occupational therapist
- A really easy call-out is physical therapists.
- To become a physical therapist, it's a doctoral degree.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee considered a series of administrative rule dockets, mostly from DOPL and related licensing boards. The committee approved rules for the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, the Rules of Midwifery, the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, and the Idaho Board of Nursing. Those presentations focused largely on zero-based rule rewrites, fee reductions or temporary fee decreases being made permanent, and compliance with House Bill 152’s cash-balance requirements. Testimony generally emphasized stakeholder input, federal or board approval where applicable, and the need to keep fees aligned with board solvency targets.
The committee then heard several fee-rule dockets involving boards with low or negative cash balances. The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals presented a rule package that clarified licensure requirements, removed some outdated provisions, and increased fees to address a negative cash balance; Idaho Rural Water Association testified in support, saying the changes would reduce regulatory burden while acknowledging the need for higher fees. The committee approved the docket by roll call after some opposition. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board docket, which proposed a short-term fee increase to restore solvency, failed by roll call vote after members raised concerns about the broader structure of board funding and whether consolidation or other reforms should be considered.
The committee also heard a lengthy discussion on the State Board of Acupuncture’s proposed fee increase. The board and a supporting practitioner testified that the board was in deficit, that fees had not been raised in many years, and that the increase was needed to maintain licensure and public safety. Some senators questioned whether licensure remained necessary in light of modern consumer review systems and whether the board should be consolidated or eliminated. A motion to reject the docket failed on a tie, and the original motion to hold the docket for further information passed, leaving the acupuncture rules unresolved. After that, the chair announced the committee would adjourn and reschedule remaining matters.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Bureau Chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau of the Division of Occupational and Professional
- Docket 24-0601-2501, Rules for the Licensure of Occupational Therapists Fee Rule, pending rule, page
- ... ...one-stop shop where they can go through and look up to see whether their occupational therapist
- A really easy callout is physical therapists.
- To become a physical therapist, it's a doctoral degree.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, HB 932 would create an interstate compact for occupational therapists or OTs and occupational therapy
- So let's say just for an example, a few states start letting occupational therapists do something innovative
- Can I, can I be like a traveling occupational therapist?
- And just being able to be an occupational therapist all over the place.
- No, actually, this occupational therapist Association supports this bill. Yeah, um.
Keywords:
judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords:
Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2730 continues the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for
Keywords:
nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment & Energy
Keywords:
distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, sustainability, energy policy, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, recycling, microplastics, pollution, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, oil tanker
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we are very honored to welcome over 250 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants
- We know that occupational therapy is not just about rehabilitation.
- Occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from life-changing injuries
- I'd like you all to ask you all to stand, everyone that's an occupational therapist or a student, and
- Welcome to the Capitol, everybody. you all to ask you all to stand, everyone that's an occupational therapist
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students.
Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Because when I hear rehabilitation, I think of physical therapists.
- therapist already covered under the insurance?
- Louis was using athletic trainers as physical therapists.
- ,... ...is looking for, whether it's the athletic trainer, whether it's a physical therapist, occupational
- therapist, nurse practitioner, there is a need for all of them.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- therapists, dietitians, athletic trainers, prosthetists, electrologists, massage therapists, on and
- therapists, dietitians, athletic trainers, prosthetists, electrologists, massage therapists, on and
- OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, DIETITIANS. 174 ATHLETIC TRAINERS.
- PROST EXISTS, ELECTRON JUST, MASSAGE THERAPIST, ON AND ON.
- Representing 14,000 respiratory therapists across the state of Florida.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition.
Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database.
Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- On the pupil service side, being a speech audiologist or a pathologist or an occupational therapist or
- therapists, physical therapists, speech-language audiologists, etc.
- Occupational therapists, $95 an hour. School psych, $95 an hour.
- Occupational therapists, $95 an hour. School psych, $95 an hour.
- This would allow me to practice working as a therapist and to increase access to a much-needed service
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (11-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> So, respiratory therapist, you may not realize what a respiratory therapist does.
- respiratory therapists and have been respiratory therapists a long time.
- , occupational, physical, and speech therapists, and interact and make sure that we can diagnose, treat
- therapist.
- </c> hygienists, uh occupational therapist. hygienists, uh occupational therapist.
Summary:
The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed.
The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines.
Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.