This bill amends the Public Health Code to establish the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, which facilitates the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology. The compact aims to improve public access to these services by allowing for the mutual recognition of licenses among member states while preserving each state's regulatory authority. Key objectives include enhancing public health protection, supporting military spouses, and enabling telehealth technology. The bill outlines definitions related to the compact, such as "active duty military," "compact privilege," and "remote state," and establishes requirements for practitioners to obtain and maintain a compact privilege, including holding an active license in their home state and complying with the laws of the remote state where they practice.

Additionally, the bill creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the compact, conduct investigations, and maintain a coordinated database of licensure and adverse actions. The commission is required to hold public hearings if requested and must publish details about these hearings, including access methods. It can adopt emergency rules in response to imminent threats to public health and safety and make minor revisions to existing rules. The compact allows member states to withdraw under certain conditions and mandates that any amendments must be enacted by all member states to take effect, ensuring effective operation while maintaining compliance with state laws.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.16801, 333.17601