RDCSB34 3942 665
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 34 Engrossed 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Peacock
Proposed law enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact to
take effect once adopted in 10 member states. Proposed law allows Louisiana to join a
multistate compact which allows audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain
multistate license privileges to practice in participating compact states, to decrease
redundancies in the consideration and issuance of audiologist and speech-language
pathologist licensure, and to provide opportunity for interstate practice by audiologists and
speech-language pathologists who meet the uniform licensure requirements.
Proposed law provides that the compact facilitates the interstate practice of audiology and
speech-language pathology to assist in improving public access to audiology and
speech-language pathology services.
Proposed law provides that the compact encourages the multistate regulation of audiology
and speech-language pathology practice, enhances exchange of licensure, investigative and
disciplinary information among its members, allows for use of telehealth technology to
facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services, supports
spouses of relocating active duty military personnel, and allows a remote state to hold a
provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state's practice
standards.
Proposed law provides that active duty military personnel, or their spouses, shall designate
a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing and that the
individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on
active duty. Proposed law provides that subsequent to designating a home state, the
individual shall only change their home state through application for licensure in the new
state.
Proposed law provides for the establishment of a joint agency known as the Audiology and
Speech-Language Pathology Commission and membership by representatives from compact
states.
Proposed law provides for construction and severability.
Effective July 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 37:2678.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill
1. Adds gross negligence as an exception to the limitation of liability.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the engrossed bill:
1. Clarify that a license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist
shall be recognized by each member state where the licensee chooses to obtain
license privilege.
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