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Bill

S 788

Enters New Jersey into Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Singer and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey joins interstate compact allowing audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in member states to practice across state lines without separate licensure in each state.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 788

Legislative bill overview

S 788 authorizes New Jersey to join the Interstate Compact for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, a multi-state agreement that streamlines professional licensing and practice across state lines. The compact creates reciprocal recognition of credentials between participating states, allowing audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each jurisdiction.

Why is this important

This compact addresses a practical barrier for healthcare professionals who serve patients across state boundaries or relocate for work. By reducing licensing friction, it can improve access to audiology and speech-language pathology services, particularly in border regions and rural areas where specialists are scarce. It also reduces administrative costs for practitioners and states.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional standards variation: Different states maintain different licensure requirements and continuing education standards; the compact requires harmonizing these, which could raise concerns about whether New Jersey's standards are being diluted or upheld
  • Regulatory oversight: Some consumer advocates worry that interstate compacts may reduce state-level oversight and accountability mechanisms for disciplinary issues
  • Impact on in-state licensing boards: State audiology and speech-language pathology boards may see reduced authority and fee revenue from individual state licensure applications

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

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