Licensure should support, not limit, care

USA TODAY’s article, “Multistate licenses help reduce red tape for traveling nurses,” describes multistate nursing licensure requirements. As an occupational therapy student at Boston University, I can attest that occupational therapists face similar challenges.

The article mentions telehealth, but did not go into great detail on the impact multistate licensure has on telehealth services. Telehealth is the delivery of health care services, including nursing and occupational therapy, virtually. Telehealth greatly helps individuals in areas with limited access to health care. In order to deliver services, practitioners must be licensed in the state the client resides in. Although this is challenging for practitioners, it has a greater impact on the clients receiving services because it limits accessibility. Licensure for all professions should be created to support care for clients, not limit practitioners who can help. Kristen Layo Boston