CMS to Recognize Therapy Interstate License Compacts

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced they will accept interstate license compacts for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Therapy as valid, full licenses for the purposes of meeting CMS’ federal license requirements. A physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist working under the authorization of a compact must meet both the licensure requirements outlined in the primary state of residence and those
established by the compact laws adopted by the legislatures of the interstate compact states.

CMS states that the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) will accept CMS-855 enrollment applications from providers reporting an interstate license compact. CMS further states “Your MAC will attempt to verify the interstate license compact using the state licensing board website, otherwise the MAC will request documentation from you to validate the interstate license compact information. MACs will re-open any previously denied enrollment applications reporting an interstate license compact and continue processing. The effective date of billing will be based on the receipt date of the original application”.

To access the document from CMS, click HERE.