President's Corner
Tammy H. Brown, MA CCC-A ABA

It’s been a busy and productive year thus far for NCSB. We have welcomed new Board members who sit beside seasoned members and are working together to address topics from the professions’ regulatory climate and practice issues. We have continued working with the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Commission. In our role as Secretariat, we are assisting the ASLP-IC Commission with various administrative tasks that will facilitate the compact’s implementation by the end of next year. Be sure to check all things “Compact” on http://ASLPcompact.com. We have appreciated the opportunity to share in this collaborative forward motion! Thanks to Robert Ranieri and so many others for their work with the Commission.

NCSB continues to encourage licensure boards to become members of the organization. While we realize that some states have limitations on travel and association membership, it is only through the combined efforts of regulatory boards that this organization continues to grow to meet the needs of member states. One of NCSB’s original missions was to encourage establishment of licensure in all states; happily, that has been accomplished. There are many challenges ahead, and it is only through the combined efforts of member states that we can meet and resolve the challenges. Information concerning membership can be found on the NCSB website at http://NCSB.info.

The planning for our 36th annual NCSB conference has been our other focus. We are looking forward to seeing all of you for a great conference from October 5-7, 2023 in Charlotte, NC. We encourage you to send one or more Board representatives. If you have recently appointed new board members, please register them for the full-day, preconference workshop scheduled for Thursday, October 5th. We have more details about the preconference workshop and conference inside this edition and on NCSB’s website: https://ncsb.info/conference.

NCSB 36^th Annual Conference Update
Oct 5-7, 2023
Gregg Thornton, Conference Chair

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 36th Annual NCSB Conference from October 5-7, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, NC. This year's conference theme is entitled, "Racing to Clear Regulatory Barriers in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology." The conference will feature nationally recognized speakers addressing topics on artificial intelligence and exam security trends, legislative & policy trends, open meetings in a virtual world, social media issues, occupational licensing, updates on over-the-counter hearing aids and its impact on licensure boards, licensure board immunity, updates on the audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact, and many more topics.

There will be a separate registration for our pre-conference workshop on Thursday, October 5th. The pre-conference workshop is a full-day training for new board members. Board attorneys and new board staff have also attended and benefited from this highly regarded training. For more information about the pre-conference workshop, including the workshop schedule, please visit NCSB's website at: http://ncsb.info/workshop.

Continuing education hours for the pre-conference workshop (.65 CEUs or 6.5 clock hours) and conference (1.0 CEUs or 10 clock hours) are pending approval by the American-Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and American Academy of Audiology (AAA). We will take care of the reporting of everyone's continuing education hours to ASHA or AAA, and all attendees will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the conference.

Registration for the pre-conference training is $225 per person for member states and $325 for non-member states and includes a flash drive with the NCSB training reference manual. Registration for the conference, which includes the Friday luncheon and breaks, is $325 per person for member states and $500 for non-member states. There is a discounted registration rate of $300 per person for multiple attendees from a member state. Cancellation is as follows: on or before August 31: 90% of registration fees; beginning September 1: no refund due to cancellation. We have negotiated a discounted room rate of $119 per night, plus tax at the conference venue, e.g., Hilton Charlotte University Place. We strongly urge those attending to make their reservations as soon as possible. The Group Rate is available until September 8th or until rooms sell out.

We have more details about the pre-conference and conference, including online registration that can be obtained by visiting NCSB's website at http://ncsb.info/conference.

We would also like to report that immediately following the conclusion of the conference on Saturday, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Commission will hold its Annual Commission meeting of delegates at the same venue. If you plan to attend our conference, we invite you to attend their annual meeting, which will be open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you in October.

Registration brochures announcing the 36th Annual NCSB Conference have been mailed. If you or your state board did not receive one of the brochures, a registration form, program agenda, and hotel information are included in this newsletter.

As in past years, a pre-conference workshop on Training for Board Members will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 and the one and one-half day conference will follow on October 6 & 7, 2023. NCSB invites boards to participate in both the board training and the conference. Following is a synopsis of the pre-conference workshop and the conference.

Save the Date
NCSB 37^th Annual Conference!

Update - Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)

A few years ago, a profession changing idea was proposed at the NCSB Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As forward thinking as the idea was, NCSB members stepped in, and this revolutionary idea began to take shape.

As of the date of this newsletter, the ASLP-IC has been adopted by law in 29 states. The adoption has allowed the formation of the ASLP-IC Commission. During the 2022-23 year, the Commission established committees for Rules, Compliance, and Finance.

A complete listing of committee members and meeting minutes can be found at the ASLP website, http://aslpcompact.com/commission/aslp-ic-commission-executive-board-committees/.

NCSB would like to acknowledge the financial support of ASHA, AAA, and ADA in pledging the initial startup funds to allow the activation of the Compact. All committee meetings are held via Zoom. Future committee meetings dates and times can be found at https://aslpcompact.com/commission/

A Note on the Current Status of the ASLP-IC from the ASLP-IC Commission Chair:

Initial Meeting of the ASLP Interstate Compact Commission:
The commission that will govern the compact is composed of both an Audiology and a Speech-Language Pathology delegate from the Licensure Board in each member state, along with two non-voting ex-officio representatives from professional associations (ASHA, AAA, ADA rotating), the National Council of State Boards of Examiners in SLP/A (NCSB), and 5 executive directors or public members from licensing boards in member states. The commission met for the first time on January 12 & 13, 2022 and elected Officers, Executive Committee, Rules Committee, Finance Committee, and Compliance Committee members. Initial funding for the operation of the commission until it is fully operational and charging fees will come from ASHA, AAA, and ADA. At the time of the initial meeting there were 15 member states in the compact.

Recent Commission Activity:
Over the last seven months the various commission committees have been working on reviewing funding agreements establishing an operating budget, further delineating rules and regulations for the operation of the compact, selection of a secretariat to interface between the funding agencies/sources and the commission, a job description for an executive director who will work for the commission, exploration of a database sufficient for full compact operations across all member states, and establishment of the FBI fingerprint and background check process required for the compact. Onboarding of delegates from states that have recently ratified the compact is also a continuing process. It is anticipated those operations will continue through the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.

When will the Compact become Operational?
At the time of the initial meeting Commission members were told by representatives from the Council of State Governments that the typical time for setting up an interstate compact is about 18 months depending on funding availability. It is hoped that sometime in 2023 all the pieces will be finalized, in-place, and a data system funded so that the commission can begin issuing privileges for interstate practice to licensees in the member states. As can be seen from the description above, setting up a process that will function smoothly and efficiently across all member states and licensure boards and protect consumers and professionals alike is a very complex procedure, and it is important to note that all this work is being done by unpaid volunteers.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lawrence F. Molt, Ph.D., CCC-A, CCC-SLP, FASHA, FAA  
ASLP-ICC Chair  

ADENDUM: The ASLP-IC advertised for a part-time Executive Director, and a number of applications were received. An ad hoc committee was formed to review the applications, and of the applications submitted, a number will be invited to interview with the ad hoc committee. Of those interviewed, two or three applicants will be recommended for an interview with the Executive Committee of the compact.

Audiology & Speech Language Pathology-Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)

In support of the ASLP-IC NCSB has developed a position statement on interstate licensure compacts. Following is the text of the statement:

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 and in fulfilling statutory authority, 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 audiology and speech-language pathology. 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, but it does ensure the ethical and legal provision of services while still protecting the public.

The NCSB Board of Directors support passage of the ASLP-IC and commit to supporting legislative efforts to that end.

NCSB encourages regulatory boards to become involved in the formation of a licensure compact in their respective states as a means of facilitating the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to those services.

Nahale Kalfas, Board attorney in North Carolina, has been actively involved with the Council of State Governments in the formation of the compact and holds the position of legal counsel for the Counsel of State Governments.

Did You Know??

NCSB has been serving as "Secretariat" to the Audiology Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Commission (ASLP-ICC) since October 2022. In this role, NCSB helps facilitate the building of the Commission's "infrastructure" independent from the Council of State Governments where it was initially housed. NCSB assists the ASLP-ICC as it acquires an Executive Director and takes other steps towards full operation.

Kerri Phillips serves as NCSB's liaison to the Commission, and she and NCSB's Association Manager, Robert Ranieri, attend ASLP-ICC executive meetings as their schedules permit. For more information about the ASLP-IC and the Commission, go to http://ASLPCompact.com.

NCSB Membership

NCSB encourages interested individuals/board to join NCSB. Categories of membership are as follows:

• Full Membership:  Organizations eligible to apply for Full Membership are those boards, advisory councils, committees, or comparable bodies which conduct and maintain programs for the licensing of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in their respective states or provinces.  The cost for Full Membership is $450.
  
  
• Individual Membership:  This category is available to any individual who presently has served as a member, executive director, administrator, or attorney affiliated with a speech-language pathology and/or audiology board.  Additionally, any SLP or AUD holding current licensure and with an interest in regulatory matters is entitled to apply for this affiliation.  Individual members from states that are member boards in good standing shall receive discounted membership.  The cost for Individual Membership is $35.00 for individuals whose state is a member board and $50.00 for individuals residing in states that do not hold membership in NCSB.
  
  
• Association Membership:  This category refers to organizations that either directly or indirectly provide services to individuals with communication disorders and whose members are impacted by licensing or certification of SLPs and AUDs.  Individuals may also apply for this level of membership; however, membership is restricted to individuals who are members of an organization eligible to apply for Association Membership.  The cost of Association Membership is $450.

Join NCSB on Facebook

Keep up to date on the latest news andinformation from NCSB.  Join Facebook and have access to early announcements of conference locations, accommodations, and programs.  Get “social” with NCSB.  Membership in the Facebook group is open to anyone who is a past or present member of your state’s licensure board in speech-language pathology or audiology, state and national association leaders - or if you are interested in trending information and hot topics related to the regulation of the communication profession.  Invite your friends to “like” and “follow” us.  Connect with your colleagues about timely issues in the professions and share news about what is happening in your state.

Spotlight on Licensure Boards
Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences

NCSB periodically spotlights licensure boards so that readers can gain a perspective of what is happening with regulation across the country.  The spotlight may contain information about the members of the Board, how to file a complaint, and other pertinent data for all interested audiologists and speech-language pathologists.  If you would like to have your board spotlighted, please contact Vickie Pullins. This edition shines the spotlight on Tennessee.

Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences

This Board began in 1973 as the Board of Examiners of Speech Pathology and Audiology, then was restructured in 1995 by the State Legislature as the current Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences.

The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office approximately forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record.

The Board meets throughout the year to conduct administrative business. The seven (7) Board members are appointed by the Governor and serve five (5) year terms. A quorum of four (4) members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the publi

Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists:

All Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists must complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education during each calendar year.

Five (5) hours of the ten (10) hour requirement must have been obtained in the licensee's area of practice (Speech Language Pathology or Audiology); and

Five (5) hours of the ten (10) hour requirement may regard either Speech Language Pathology or Audiology.

For new licensees, proof of successful completion of all education and training requirements required for licensure in Tennessee, pursuant to Rule 1370-01-.04, which have been completed during the twelve (12) months preceding licensure, shall constitute continuing education credit for the initial period of licensure.

Speech Language Pathology Assistants:

All Speech Language Pathology Assistants must complete a minimum of five (5) hours of continuing education during each calendar year. For new registrants, proof of successful completion of all education and training requirements required for registration in Tennessee, pursuant to Rule 1370-01-.14, which have been completed during the twelve (12) months preceding registration, shall constitute continuing education credit for the initial period of registration.

Tennessee passed HB 2561 and SB1848 to join the ASLP-IC with the governor’s signature on 4/19/2022.

Contact the Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences

615-741-5735 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

NCSB Board of Directors

National Council of State Boards

3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216 USA
P: 205-823-6106
info@ncsb.info
http://ncsb.info