The bill introduces the establishment of a new chapter, "AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY INTERSTATE COMPACT," aimed at facilitating the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology to improve public access to these services. It sets out objectives such as increasing public access to services, enhancing public health and safety protection, encouraging cooperation among member states, and facilitating telehealth technology use. The bill defines key terms and establishes that a license issued by a home state will be recognized by each member state, allowing professionals to practice under a privilege to practice in member states. It also mandates criminal background checks for applicants and sets educational and professional standards for practitioners.

The bill also introduces provisions for the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology across state lines, particularly through telehealth and for military personnel. It outlines the process and requirements for obtaining and maintaining the compact privilege, including notification to the commission when practicing in a remote state, payment of fees, and reporting of adverse actions. The bill establishes the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, detailing its structure, powers, and duties, including rulemaking, financial management, and legal protections. It also sets forth procedures for data sharing among member states and the rulemaking process for the commission, including public hearings and comment periods. The compact allows for emergency rule adoption and provides for dispute resolution and enforcement, with provisions for states to join, withdraw, and amend the compact. The act will take effect once enacted into law in the tenth member state.