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Bill

SB 6226

Protecting the clinical autonomy of audiologists.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Harris and 2 co-sponsors

SB 6226 expands audiologists' clinical independence in Washington, allowing them to operate with reduced physician oversight and potentially improve patient access to hearing care services.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 6226

Legislative bill overview

SB 6226 seeks to expand the clinical autonomy of audiologists in Washington State, likely removing or reducing regulatory restrictions on their ability to diagnose, treat, and manage hearing-related conditions independently. The bill has advanced through the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness with a majority recommendation to pass, though a minority opposed it.

Why is this important

Audiologists argue expanded autonomy would improve patient access to hearing care, reduce wait times, and lower costs by allowing them to operate more independently without physician referrals or oversight. Conversely, this raises questions about scope-of-practice boundaries, regulatory oversight, and whether current training standards adequately prepare audiologists for expanded clinical responsibilities in all situations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice conflicts: Potential friction with otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) who may view expanded audiologist autonomy as encroaching on their domain and revenue
  • Patient safety and liability: Questions about whether audiologists' training sufficiently covers complex ear conditions that might require physician-level expertise, and who bears liability for diagnostic errors
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Changes could affect whether insurance companies reimburse audiologists directly versus requiring physician referrals, impacting healthcare costs and access patterns

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

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