State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board The State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board is staffed by the Division of Corporation and Professional Licensing. The Board consists of seven members: three licensed physical therapists or two physical therapists and a physical therapist assistant; three licensed occupational therapists or two occupational therapist and one occupational therapy assistant; and one public member with no direct financial interest in the health care industry. Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. The Board adopts regulations to carry out laws governing the practice of physical therapy and occupational therapy in Alaska. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws. The Board meets a minimum of two times a year and offers a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting agendas and minutes are available from the licensing examiner and will be posted to the Board Business website once prepared. Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Checks Attention: Due to the passage of Senate Bill 74 in the 33rd Legislative Session, as of August 31, 2024, fingerprinting and criminal background checks are now a requirement for physical therapy and occupational therapy license applicants. This means that in addition to all previous licensure requirements, applicants will also need to mail a completed fingerprint card to PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806. You can find more information on the fingerprinting requirements here. Limited Permit applications are exempt from this requirement. Renewal and Reinstatement applications are subject to background requirements unless active as of 07/01/2024. (AS 08.84.034) Open Board Position The Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy has a vacant board seat available as of August, 2024 for an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. Anyone interested in a board appointment can submit an application online here. For more information, contact boards@Alaska.Gov or visit https://gov.alaska.gov/services/boards-and-commissions/ Professions Regulated by the Board Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapy Assistant Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Assistant Physical Therapy Interstate Compact (PT Compact) Due to the passage of Senate Bill 74 in the 33rd Legislative Session, Alaska has joined the Physical Therapy Interstate Compact (PT Compact). The PT Compact allows eligible licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants an alternative method for providing services in other member states, and vice-versa for PTs and PTAs from other member states. If you are interested in learning more about the PT Compact, please use the following link: https://ptcompact.org/. Though the State of Alaska has legally joined the PT Compact, we are still in the implementation phase so the PT Compact is not yet in effect in the state. We anticipate it may take six to nine months until the PT Compact is in effect in Alaska. You can find more information on how the PT Compact privilege applications will work on the website, linked above. In the meantime, if you wish to practice as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant in Alaska, you will need to apply for the Alaska-specific license using the applications available on the Board links menu. As we advance in the implementation process, updates will be provided here. PT/OT Board Listserv Now Available! Subscribe to the Alaska State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy electronic mailing list and receive: Board Meeting Notices Important announcements/updates Notice of Proposed Changes to Regulations You may cancel your subscription at any time. You are subscribing to a group email for informal communications. Subscribe Now State Organizations State organizations provide information on Board approved continuing education courses. Alaska Physical Therapy Association (APTA Alaska) Alaska Occupational Therapy Association (AKOTA) National Organizations National organizations may provide information on the regulation of the practice of occupational therapy and physical therapy in other states. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) Contact Information Licensing Examiner: Sheri Ryan Phone: (907) 465-2550 Email: PhysicalandOccupationalTherapy@Alaska.Gov PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806