PT Compact Update

The Physical Therapy Compact Commission announced on March 2^nd that compact privileges will be available for the state of West Virginia starting Tuesday, March 10, 2020.  To review, the PT Compact allows PTs and PTAs who are licensed in a compact state to practice in another compact state without having to go through the process of applying for licensure.  West Virginia will join 19 other states that are currently issuing compact privileges including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The PT Compact Commission also announced on February 24^th that CMS’s general counsel had determined that the compact privilege is considered a valid, full license for purposes of meeting federal licensure requirements.  Per the Compact Commission’s communication to providers, CMS is providing guidance to the MACs to accept compact privileges moving forward and to re-open any applications that were denied under this basis and continue processing.  CMS is also drafting a Medicare Learning Network Matters article that will provide guidance to PTs and PTAs practicing with compact privileges and the Medicare enrollment process. Additional information will be shared as it is received so stay tuned!