HB 80, if passed, would authorize PA to join the Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Although 34 states have passed legislation to join the Compact as of this writing, PAO has taken the position of opposing the legislation as currently written.
Reasons for opposing the legislation are as follows:
Despite assurances to the contrary, the proposed Interstate Compact for Audiology and Speech-language Pathology attempts to overtake the established licensure process and create a compact that puts the protection of the public in their own hands by creating a Commission that can override state laws,
Unlike the medical licensure compact where a physician must already be licensed
to practice in a state (voluntary expedited licensure), this compact attempts to create and dictate initial universal licensure for two very different professions without adequate quality standards. For example, an ASLP licensed in a state with lower standards of practice would be allowed to practice in a state with stronger practice standards.
Telehealth: The current compact proposal would allow any compact member to practice telehealth in any other member’s state without documenting appropriate standards of care are being met.
Exclusion of physician members: Physician members are appointed to the state ASLP licensing boards, but this is excluded in the Compact.
This compact calls for an audiology or speech language pathology service provider to be in compliance with state practice laws outside of their home state yet, the compact negates states’ jurisdictional testing requirements.
Oversight is missing from the compact including continuing education.
On August 29, 2024 members of the PAO had a meeting with the prime sponsor of the bill to relay their concerns with the legislation. PAO opposition was again expressed to the sponsor. In addition, a letter is ready to be sent to all members of the House Professional Licensure Committee is and when the legislation is scheduled for consideration.
