459.70 Audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact.

574 words·~3 min read·/wi/chapter-459/459-70-2

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1)Purpose.

(a)The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.

(b)This compact is designed to achieve all of the following objectives:

1. Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses.

2. Enhance the states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety.

3. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practice.

4. Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel.

5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states.

6. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state’s practice standards.

7. Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

(2)Definitions. As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)“Active duty military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 USC 1209 and 1211 .

(b)“Adverse action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, including actions against an individual’s license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee’s practice.

(c)“Alternative program” means a nondisciplinary monitoring process approved by an audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to address impaired practitioners.

(d)“Audiologist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice audiology.

(e)“Audiology” means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist as set forth in the member state’s statutes and rules.

(f)“Audiology and speech-language pathology compact commission” or “commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the compact.

(g)“Audiology and speech-language pathology licensing board,” “audiology licensing board,” “speech-language pathology licensing board,” or “licensing board” means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists.

(h)“Compact privilege” means the authorization granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter.

(i)“Current significant investigative information” means investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.

(j)“Data system” means a repository of information about licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege, and adverse action.