Rhode Island Signs Interstate Compact, Alaska Legislation Pending

Rhode Island became the most recent state to pass legislation enacting the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), making it the 33rd state to join. House Bill 8219/Senate Bill 2173 was signed into law by Governor Daniel McKee on June 25. 

Alaska is currently in the process of passing legislation to implement the compact. Senate Bill 75 successfully passed both the Senate and the House on May 15, just one day before the end of the legislative session. The bill was sent to the governor; however, several typos were discovered in the document, necessitating corrections before it could be officially enrolled.

The compact is designed to streamline the practice of audiologists across participating states, enhancing access to care, and eliminating obstacles for professionals relocating across state lines. The Academy has strongly supported the adoption of the ASLP-IC by states, recognizing its potential to significantly improve the mobility of audiologists. This compact also bolsters the provision of telehealth services, ensuring that patients in remote or underserved areas can receive high-quality audiology care.