The bill aims to protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists in Washington State, particularly in the context of telehealth services. It recognizes the growing importance of telehealth as a cost-effective and patient-centered approach to healthcare, emphasizing that regulatory frameworks should support licensed professionals in determining the most appropriate treatment modality—whether telehealth or in-person care—based on their clinical judgment. The legislation asserts that there should not be different professional practice standards for telehealth and in-person services, advocating for a modality-agnostic approach to regulation.

To implement these principles, the bill amends RCW 18.35.161, granting the board the authority to establish minimum standards for the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments while explicitly prohibiting any rules that would restrict licensed professionals from using their clinical judgment regarding treatment modalities. The amendments also clarify that the board retains the authority to enforce standards of care and competency requirements, provided these do not interfere with the professionals' ability to choose the appropriate care modality for their patients.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.35.161
Substitute bill: 18.35.161
Bill as passed Legislature: 18.35.161
Session law: 18.35.161