The proposed bill establishes the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact," designed to enhance the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology, thereby improving public access to these essential services. It allows for the mutual recognition of licenses among member states while maintaining each state's regulatory authority to ensure public health and safety. The compact aims to foster cooperation among states, support military spouses, and leverage telehealth technology to broaden service access. It also sets forth definitions related to the practice and outlines the requirements for state participation, including the necessity for criminal history background checks for applicants, which involves submitting fingerprints for federal and state criminal record checks.

Additionally, the bill creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, which will oversee the regulation of practitioners across member states. The commission is empowered to take adverse actions against licenses, issue subpoenas, and maintain a coordinated data system for tracking licensure and adverse actions. It also provides qualified immunity for commission members and employees, ensuring they are protected from liability for actions taken within their official duties. The bill includes provisions for public participation in the rulemaking process, dispute resolution, and compliance enforcement, with the compact set to take effect once enacted by the tenth member state. The provisions of this act are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
JC substitute: 61-14B-11