RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
SB 34 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Peacock
New law enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact to take
effect once adopted in 10 member states. 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.
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.
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.
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. Provides
that subsequent to designating a home state, the individual shall only change their home state
through application for licensure in the new state.
Provides for the establishment of a joint agency known as the Audiology and Speech-
Language Pathology Commission and membership by representatives from compact states.
Provides for construction and severability.
Effective July 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 37:2678.1)