The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Thomas L. Tyler.
DIGEST
SB 98 Original 2020 Regular 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 the establishment of a joint agency known as the Audiology and Speech-
Language Pathology Commission and for membership by representatives from compact states.
Proposed law provides for construction and severability.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 37:2661)