This article is a part of the July/August 2020, Volume 32, Number 4, Audiology Today issue.

In 2016, the National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCSB) formally began the multi-stage process for developing an occupational licensure compact for audiology and speech-language pathology. The NCSB worked with the National Center for Interstate Compacts (NCIC), a part of the Council of State Governments (CSG) that has successfully worked with other health-care professions to enact licensure compacts.

The NCIC guided the process and included the Academy as a key stakeholder, along with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other groups, in helping to shape the development of the compact. In 2019, the NCIC finalized the compact language and began the adoption phase.

The Academy recognizes the value of multi-state licensure to audiologists and has supported efforts to advance the compact. The Academy provided input throughout the development process and submitted comments when draft language was available. Currently, the Academy is working collaboratively with NCIC, ASHA, and NCSB in advancing legislation for state adoption.

At this writing, four states (Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming) have passed legislation to implement the compact. The licensure compact will not become operational until a minimum of 10 states pass and adopt implementing legislation. The Academy’s State Relations Committee is committed to supporting efforts to reach the needed 10 states within the year ahead.

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