The bill amends the Public Health Code to establish the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, which facilitates the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology across state lines. This compact aims to enhance public access to these services by allowing member states to mutually recognize licenses while maintaining their regulatory authority. Key features include definitions for terms such as "active duty military," "compact privilege," and "remote state," as well as requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain and maintain a compact privilege. The bill also addresses the use of telehealth services and provides special provisions for active duty military personnel and their spouses.

Additionally, the bill creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation, including establishing bylaws, maintaining financial records, and managing a coordinated database for licensure and adverse action information. The commission is empowered to conduct public hearings, adopt emergency rules, and enforce compliance among member states. It also outlines the procedures for adverse actions based on reported conduct from other states and specifies the conditions for states to withdraw from the compact. The compact will take effect once enacted by the tenth member state, with any amendments requiring ratification by all member states.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.16801, 333.17601