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Bill Summary · SB 104

Legislative bill overview

SB 104 would allow audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to practice across state lines through a compact agreement, similar to existing healthcare professional compacts. Licensed practitioners in participating states could work in other member states without obtaining separate state licenses, streamlining interstate practice and reducing regulatory barriers.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a practical problem for healthcare providers serving rural and telehealth patients who cross state boundaries. It could improve access to audiology and speech-language pathology services—particularly critical for children with speech disorders and elderly patients with hearing loss—while reducing administrative costs for practitioners and potentially shortening wait times for patients in underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Licensing standards variation: Different states have different educational requirements and continuing education standards; a compact requires trusting other states' licensing adequacy, which some argue could lower protections
  • Interstate regulatory oversight: Determining which state regulates a practitioner's conduct when they work across multiple states creates jurisdictional complexity and potential accountability gaps
  • Economic impact on in-state providers: Local practitioners may face increased competition from out-of-state providers, potentially affecting market rates and employment in smaller markets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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