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NCSB POSITION STATEMENT ON THE ASLP-IC

April 2021

The National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCSB), consistent with its mission to promote consumer protection by supporting regulatory boards in speech-language pathology and audiology in fulfilling statutory, professional and ethical obligations adopts the following position regarding the proposed Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).

NCSB supports the proposed ASLP-IC. Since 2016 NCSB has worked closely with the Council of State Governments and their Interstate Compact Advisory Workgroup to develop a proposed interstate compact for speech-language pathology and audiology. The ASLP-IC is an occupational licensure compact that addresses the increased demand for practitioners to provide, and for consumers to receive appropriate speech-language pathology and audiology services in concert with prevailing standards. It authorizes both telehealth and in-person practice across state lines without having to become licensed in additional ASLP-IC states. The compact permits audiologists and speech-language pathologists to provide services to populations currently underserved or geographically isolated. The compact also allows military personnel and spouses to more easily maintain their professional license when relocating.

Additionally, the ASLP-IC improves consumer protection across state lines. The compact increases access to care when patients, clients, and/or students relocate or travel to another compact member state. The compact also promotes cooperation between ASLP-IC member states on interstate licensure and regulation requirements such as continuing education. The compact ensures that audiologists and speech-language pathologists from other ASLP-IC member states who practice in another compact state, under the privilege granted by the compact, have met acceptable standards of practice. In summary, the ASLP-IC reduces regulatory barriers that negatively impact both consumers and practitioners. The compact does not change a state’s scope of practice for audiology or speech-language pathology. The ASLP-IC ensures the ethical and legal provision of services and reduces regulatory barriers while still protecting the public.

The Board of Directors support passage of the ASLP-IC in states and commits to supporting legislative efforts to that end.