Louisiana Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Louisiana OT License Overview

Louisiana has joined the OT Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Louisiana begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Louisiana-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

Louisiana has ENACTED the OT Licensure Compact (it is a member state) but is NOT yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. As of May 2026 only 7 of 34 member states have completed integration and are operational (Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia). Travelers CANNOT practice in Louisiana under a compact privilege yet and must obtain a Louisiana license by endorsement.

How to Get a Louisiana OT License by Endorsement

How Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Louisiana: Hybrid: online application via the LaMED DashBoard (online.lasbme.org) PLUS several documents that must be completed and MAILED to LSBME (Oath/Affirmation, Third Party Authorization, Certificate of Dean/Registrar, official transcript, Statement of Legal Name, background check). You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $150 application fee.

1. Submit the initial licensure application online through the LaMED DashBoard
2. Request verification of every state license you hold directly from each state board (a processing fee may apply) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through each state board directly (verification of every state license you hold is required, and a processing fee may apply). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: A background check is required and is initiated AFTER the application is submitted: the applicant receives instructions from the licensing department to complete it. It cannot be received by LSBME until the application has been submitted. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners website for status updates on your application.

Louisiana OT License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Louisiana Temporary OT License

Louisiana issues temporary occupational therapy licenses valid for 3 months, but they are only available during urgent or emergent situations in the state or in times of public emergency; the LSBME no longer routinely grants temporary permits. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Louisiana OT License Processing Time

Louisiana Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-10 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks (if file submitted before board cutoff, verified quickly, and approved at next scheduled meeting).

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly except April and November; applications submitted after the 2-week pre-meeting deadline must wait 4–6 weeks for the next board meeting
• Incomplete file submissions are rejected and must be resubmitted, causing 2–4 week delays per resubmission cycle
• License verification from applicant's current state (via NBCOT or direct board request) can take 2–3 weeks, blocking board review

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners' site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Louisiana OT Continuing Education

Louisiana requires 14 contact hours of continuing education for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: 1 hour of ethics (approved by aota, lota, or NBCOT) and a 1 hour lsbme course on the rules and regulations for ots and COTAs, within the 14 required contact hours per year

Louisiana OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year, expiring on or before the date of expiration — $100 via Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners portal
• CE topics: 1 hour of ethics (approved by aota, lota, or NBCOT) and a 1 hour lsbme course on the rules and regulations for ots and COTAs, within the 14 required contact hours per year

Louisiana Licensing Board and Resources

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (504) 568-6820

Email: [email protected]