Spring 2026 Newsletter
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President's Corner

Katie Brice, NCSB President

Greetings to everyone receiving our spring NCSB newsletter. If you attended our 38th annual conference in Charleston last fall, you would remember that our keynote speaker, Charla Burill, JD, RD, spoke on “Rising Tides: Growing Threats to Regulation.” The topic of threats to regulation feels especially relevant given recent legislative changes at the state and national level. In the past year, NCSB Board of Directors members have been tracking legislation and advocating for speech-language pathologists and audiologists as new challenges arise.

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed rules to implement the student loan provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The proposed rules include a definition of a "professional degree" program that does not include audiology or speech-language pathology. For more information on this and the impact it may have on the speech-language pathology and audiology professions, I encourage you to visit ASHA’s website. Additionally, NCSB BOD member Gregg Thornton submitted written comments regarding proposed legislation in Utah and Maine with the potential to impact licensure for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

We encourage you and your other state board members to join NCSB and attend our annual conference to follow trends and challenges within your profession. Speaking of our annual conference, we are excited to be holding our 39th annual conference in Denver, Colorado this October. The conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Cherry Creek, October 2-3, with a pre-conference workshop on October 1. The pre-conference workshop is a great opportunity for new board members to learn more about regulatory processes and procedures, but even seasoned board members are welcome to attend. Plans are underway to bring you an invigorating and information-filled conference this year related to licensure. We’ll have more details to share about the speakers and topics in the next newsletter, but please save the dates, and we’ll look forward to seeing you in Denver. You can find more information about the conference on NCSB’s website. We anticipate having the preconference and conference programs finalized and registration available starting in June.

We had a wonderful time gathering in Charleston last fall for our 38th conference, “Bridging Regulatory Practices in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.” The Pre-Conference Workshop presented by Theresa Rodgers and Nahale Kalfas received high praise from participants who completed the new board member training. Topics covered by our talented speakers during the conference included Due Process from Complaint to Discipline; Consumer View – Why Regulatory Boards are Important; Licensure Data; Updates on ASLP-IC and Compact Connect, ETS, ASHA, ADA, and AAA; Challenges to Board Deference; Developing an Enforcement Framework; Bridging Ethical Practice; Intra-board Communicating; and the ever-popular State Information Exchange. For the full conference program, please visit our website. Many of the speakers made their presentations available for download.

I hope you agree that last year’s conference was a truly engaging, informative experience. We are excited and plan to bring you the same high caliber of speakers and topics at this year’s conference. We look forward to seeing everyone in Denver in the fall.

Warmest regards,

Katie Brice
NCSB President - 2026

Join Us in Denver for the 2026 39th Annual NCSB Conference “Elevating Regulation”

Leaders in speech-language pathology and audiology regulation will gather October 1-3 in Denver for the annual conference of the National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCSB). This year’s meeting, “Elevating Regulation”, offers a valuable opportunity for regulators, board members, administrators, and stakeholders to come together to discuss emerging issues, share ideas, and strengthen the regulatory community.

We will start things off with a pre-conference training session geared to new board members, but which may also be great for seasoned board members who want a refresher.

The conference will feature sessions focused on some of the most pressing topics facing professional regulation today, including the growing presence of AI, trends in legislation and litigation affecting licensing boards, the legal challenges that may arise when there is board misconduct, and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Attendees will also hear from national partner organizations and participate in collaborative discussions designed to share successes and challenges across states.

Beyond the educational program, the conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the country who are working to protect the public and advance effective regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.

Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers the perfect setting for learning, networking, and collaboration. Whether you are a long-time regulator or new to board service, this conference provides practical insights and valuable connections to support your work.

Registration details and the full program will be shared soon. We hope you will make plans to join us this October in Denver for this important gathering of our regulatory community. You may book your room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Cherry Creek using this link: NCSB Annual Conference.

2025 Conference Highlights

The 38th Annual NCSB Conference, held outside of Charleston, South Carolina, brought together regulatory leaders, legal experts, and industry partners to explore emerging challenges and opportunities in professional licensure. Framed with a nod to coastal culture and collaboration, the program blended timely legal insights, data-driven discussions, and practical strategies for regulatory boards navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

Vickie Pullins and Katie Brice set the stage for the conference by offering a warm welcome to attendees. Their opening remarks set the tone for a program designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and forward-thinking approaches to regulation.

Charla Burill gave the keynote speech, “Rising Tides: Growing Threats to Regulation – 1st Amendment & Telehealth.” As telehealth expands and legal challenges to professional regulation grow more complex, this presentation explored how First Amendment claims and evolving service models are reshaping the regulatory environment. In “Navigating the Waters: Due Process from Complaint to Discipline,” MaryJane Richardson of the Office of the District Attorney for Robeson, Hoke and Scotland Counties walked attendees through the legal pathway from initial complaint to disciplinary action.

After a short break, Jason Dietrich from Educational Testing Service shared perspectives on consumer trust and why strong regulatory oversight remains essential in his presentation, “Ships in the Harbor: Consumer View – Why Regulatory Boards are Important.” Licensure data is a powerful tool for policy and oversight. In “Low Country Boil: Licensure Data,” Gregg Thornton of the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board explored how boards can leverage data to identify trends, improve operations, and support evidence-based decision-making.

In the afternoon, Tammy Brown examined strategies for improving collaboration and information flow among board members and staff in her session, “Gullah Geechee: Spread the Word – Intra-board Communicating.” Mobility for licensed professionals continues to expand through interstate compacts. In “In the Marsh: ASLP-IC Compact Connect,” Isabel Eliassen of the Council of State Governments and Stacy Griffin demonstrated how the Compact Connect system supports the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and streamlines multistate practice.

One of the conference’s most collaborative sessions was “Palmetto State of Mind: State Information Exchange,” facilitated by Amy Goldman. Representatives from each state shared brief updates highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned. The day concluded with “Crescent Moon: Discussion of State Information Exchange,” where smaller breakout groups allowed for deeper discussion and peer learning.

Saturday began with “Sweetgrass: Updates from ETS, ASHA, ADA, and AAA,” which brought together leaders from across the profession. Speakers included Jason Dietrich, Amanda Gallagher of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Stephanie Czuhajewski of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and Joanne M. Zurcher of the American Academy of Audiology. Together, they provided updates on certification, testing, and emerging professional issues.

Legal developments affecting regulatory authority was the focus of “Boiled Peanuts: Challenges to Board Deference – A Legal Update.” Attorney Nahale Freeland Kalfas discussed recent cases and trends that influence how courts view regulatory board decisions. In “Port Authority: Developing an Enforcement Framework,” John Medlock of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shared practical approaches to designing an enforcement structure that promotes consistency, fairness, and accountability.

Ethics and professional responsibility took center stage in “Grits and Grace: Bridging Ethical Practice – Educating, Advocating, and Referring.” Moderators Beth Montgomery and Jason Wigand guided breakout discussions focused on how boards and practitioners can support ethical decision-making in complex real-world situations. The conference also included “Sweet Magnolias: ASLP-IC Updates,” featuring Susan Adams, Nahale Freeland Kalfas, and Kerri Phillips. This session gave the latest developments in compact implementation and what states can expect moving forward. The program concluded with Vickie Pullins reflecting on key takeaways and looking ahead to next year’s conference.

From legal insights and regulatory strategy to collaboration across states, this conference offered attendees a chance to deepen their expertise while building connections across the regulatory community. With sessions designed to address both current challenges and future opportunities, participants left equipped with new tools to help their boards navigate the waters ahead.

For presentation handouts from 2025 go to NCSB Business Office - Schedule (2025).

NCSB Board Member Profile: Lillian Henderson

I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist since 1997. I graduated from University of South Carolina and worked in the public school preschool system for five years before joining my current clinic. Since 2002, I have served as a speech-language pathologist with UNC Children’s Cochlear Implant Center, where I teach children with hearing loss to listen and talk.

In 2005, I became a Certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. My clinical practice focuses on helping children and adults access listening and spoken language through cochlear implants and hearing aids. I also present nationally and internationally, training professionals in the techniques and best practices of this specialized field.

In 2024, I was appointed to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. During my service, I have worked to establish supervision guidelines for SLP Assistants.

I am pleased to join the Board of Directors of NCSB this year to bring this experience to the organization and to help navigate key trends in our field, including the ASLP-IC compact, post-graduate CEU requirements, and supervision needs for first-year graduates and SLP Assistants.

I have been married since 1997 to an elementary school counselor. We have one daughter, whom we adopted from China in 2006. In our free time, we enjoy spending time with our extended family and traveling.

Call for NCSB Honors and Special Recognition Award Nominations

NCSB is now accepting nominations for the Honors Award and Special Recognition Award.

Honors of the Association

The Honors of the Association Award (Honors Award) is intended to recognize an individual for his or her exemplary contributions to NCSB, a licensing board in their state, or an individual employed by an organization or other entity that addresses regulatory issues/concerns for the professions. This individual should have demonstrated a commitment to the monitoring of the professions through one of the following:

  • service to NCSB;
  • service on a state licensing board or committee that regulates the professions of speech- language pathology and/or audiology; or
  • service to an organization or other entity that addresses regulatory issues for the professions.

Such contributions should help to ensure protection of the public or protection of those who receive services from a speech language pathologist or audiologist, or impact in some way the advancement of these professions.

The NCSB Honors Award will be presented annually at the fall conference/meeting of the NCSB.

For more information about the criteria for the Honors, please visit our website at: https://ncsb.info/awards/honors.

Special Recognition Award

The NCSB Special Recognition Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and contribution(s) in the area of regulation at the state level. Eligible activities or achievements for which the award will be given include, but are not limited to, program development through an innovative and replicable design, extraordinary service and commendable contributions to a state licensure board, and/or recent advocacy activities leading to changes in regulation. Exemplary contributions may be evidenced by a single, specific activity, or by a series of related, integrated activities resulting in the achievement of a common goal.

For more information about the criteria for the Special Recognition Awards, please visit our website at: https://ncsb.info/awards/recognition.

The awards will be presented at NCSB’s annual corporate business meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

Nominations and supporting documents can be submitted online directly on NCSB’s website at: https://www.ncsb.info/event-6130192.

The deadline to submit nominations is June 30, 2026.

Kerri Phillips, NCSB 2025 Honors Award Recipient

By Vickie Pullins

The National Council of State Boards proudly recognized Kerri Phillips as the recipient of the 2025 Honors Award in acknowledgment of her exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and contributions to licensure and interstate portability in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Kerri’s commitment to public protection and professional excellence has been evident through her distinguished service on the Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Licensing Board, where she was a steadfast advocate for high standards in licensure, ethical practice, and consumer safety. Her work at the state level has reflected a deep understanding of regulatory responsibility and the vital role licensing boards play in safeguarding the public while supporting a competent workforce.

Beyond her state service, Kerri has made a profound impact nationally through her leadership on the Board of Directors of the National Council of State Boards. In this role, she has contributed to strategic initiatives, governance development, and collaborative policy work that strengthens the collective voice and effectiveness of member boards across the country.

A hallmark of Kerri’s service has been her tireless advocacy for the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). From the earliest stages of compact development through implementation, she has been a knowledgeable and passionate champion for interstate licensure portability. Her efforts have helped boards, legislators, and stakeholders understand the value of the compact in improving access to care while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.

Kerri currently represents NCSB on the ASLP-IC Commission, where her regulatory expertise and collaborative leadership continue to shape policies that support both member states and the professionals they license. Her ability to bridge state and national perspectives has been instrumental in advancing the compact’s mission and operational success.

Colleagues across the country recognize Kerri for her thoughtful approach, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the regulatory community. She exemplifies the spirit of service, professionalism, and innovation that the Honors Award represents.

Courtney Olson, NCSB 2025 Special Recognition Award Recipient

By Gregg  Thornton

On September 19, 2025, NCSB presented its Special Recognition Award to Courtney Olson at its corporate business meeting in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.  Nominated by Dr. Robyn Zeltinger, PhD, MS/CCC-SLP, President of the North Dakota State Board of Examiners on Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, where Dr. Olson also serves as a board member, Dr. Zeltinger praised Dr. Olson for being an active and engaged board member during the past five years.  As noted by Dr. Zeltinger, “Dr. Olson is often the first to volunteer for board committees and subcommittees.  She goes above and beyond, spending her valuable personal time reviewing policies, procedures, and state regulations to ensure the state of ND has an efficient licensure board.  Dr. Olson has served as the Board’s Licensing Secretary for approximately three years.” In addition, Dr. Olson worked closely with their board secretary and attorney to review the ND Century Code and Administrative Rules and presented draft amendments to the entire board, which eventually led to the creation of House Bill 1049.  HB 1049 reflected necessary updates to the licensure requirements for SLP assistants, audiology scope of practice, and temporary licensure.  HB 1049 was one of the first bills introduced in the 69th Legislative Assembly and passed on April 23, 2025, and took effect on August 1, 2025.  Dr. Olson demonstrates a genuine interest and desire to advocate for speech-language pathology and audiology at the local, state, and national levels.

The NCSB Board of Directors extend our congratulations to Dr. Olson as the recipient of the 2025 Special Recognition Award.

NCSB Offers Testimony and Position Statement on the Importance of Licensure and Provisional Licensure

NCSB Board of Directors has recognized the emerging challenges to abolishing licensure (e.g. Utah) and/or provisional licensure (e.g. Kentucky). On March 10, NCSB President Katie Brice submitted a letter of concern to the Chair of the Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Regulations, opposing proposed legislation to abolish the provisional license.

The NCSB position statement supporting licensure and provisional licensure can be found here.

Position Statement Supporting Licensure for Speech-Language Pathology, including Provisional Licensure for Post Graduate Supervised Professional Experience

The National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCSB), is a non-profit organization whose members are licensure boards or similar state entities throughout the United States that regulate the practice of speech-language pathology, audiology. Consistent with its mission to promote consumer protection by supporting regulatory boards in fulfilling statutory, professional and ethical obligations, NCSB adopts the following position statement in support of licensure, including provisional licensure.

Professional licensure in the communications professions is key to public safety. Licensure protects the public by defining scope of practice, ensuring practitioners meet high clinical standards and are qualified to assess and treat individuals with communication disorders. Licensure verifies practitioners’ have up-to-date knowledge and skills and provides a legal framework and code of ethics. All fifty states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology.

A provisional license represents a temporary authorization granted to individuals in the aforementioned regulated professions to begin practicing under specific conditions while they fulfill remaining requirements for full, unrestricted licensure. In the speech-language pathology, the provisional license requires a mandatory, mentored professional experience designed to transition new speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from supervised students to independent practitioners. It integrates academic knowledge with real-world clinical practice, allowing provisional license holders to refine skills, evaluate strengths, and apply ethical standards within the scope of practice with the support and guidance of a licensed SLP serving as the mentor. The supervised postgraduate professional experience is required by forty-nine of the states that license speech-language pathologists.

It is NCSB’s position that professional licensure and provisional licensure are vital to ensuring public safety and protect the integrity of the professions.

2026 ASLP-IC Status Report: Operations & Implementation

By Kerri Phillips, NCSB Liaison to the ASLP-ICC

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) has transitioned from legislative planning to operational! Note additional updates will be available at the Denver conference.

System Launch & Active Licensing

The Compact Connect data system allows real-time verification and issuance of compact privileges. Following its October 2025 launch, we are seeing the first wave of "Active States" issuing privileges.

  • Ohio, Louisiana, and West Virginia are the first jurisdictions to process and issue compact privileges.
  • 36 states and one U.S. territory have enacted the necessary legislation. The remaining member states are currently synchronizing their internal IT systems with the Compact Connect platform.
  • Practitioners should verify their home state’s onboarding status via their local licensing board or the official ASLP-IC map.

Fee Breakdown

To keep the Compact accessible, the fee structure is designed to be more cost-effective than traditional individual state licensure:

  • Commission Administrative Fee: $50.00; Standardized across all applications.
  • State-Specific Fee: Varies; Set by the individual state; generally kept lower than standard out-of-state license costs.

Spotlight on Member Boards: Illinois

Submitted by Rochelle Hartman, Illinois Board Liaison

Overview of the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of the
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists came under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in 1992. The current board is comprised of five members, two who have been licensed as audiologists for five years or more, two speech-language pathologists who have been licensed for five years or more, and one public member. The board annually elects a chair and vice chair. Board service for all professional licensing boards is voluntary and the positions are appointed by the Agency’s Secretary, Mario Treto, Jr. Advisory in its scope, the Board meets quarterly to review applications for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, remediation plans for applicants who have failed the exam three times, and for out-of-state continuing education requests. The Board also assists the Enforcement unit with reviewing complaints and advises the Director on discipline for cases.

Board Chair, Cara Boester CCC-SLP, MA is the Director for Clinical Experiences for Speech-Language Pathology at Illinois State University, Normal. Boester is licensed as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Vice Chair Heidi Ramrattan, AuD, CCC-A/SLP is Associate Professor in the Communications Disorders and Science Department at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. Ramrattan is licensed as an Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist.

In late 2025, all SLP/A applications transitioned from paper forms to the Agency’s new CORE licensing system, providing a streamlined process for applicants and a much shorter wait time for licensure. Licenses issued by the Agency are Speech-Language Pathologist, Temporary Speech-Language Pathologist, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, and Audiologist. Efforts to introduce COMPACT legislation have fallen short in the past two legislative sessions.

At a glance

Join NCSB on Facebook

Get “social” with NCSB and keep up to date on the latest news and information from NCSB.  Join NCSB on Facebook and have access to early announcements of conference locations, accommodations, and programs. 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.

Governance & Upcoming Events

Governance & Upcoming Events

The National Council of State Boards (NCSB) continues to serve as the Secretariat, providing the administrative support for the Commission.

  • Save the Date: The next ASLP-IC Commission Annual Business Meeting typically coincides with the NCSB Annual Conference.
  • Location: Denver, Colorado
  • Dates: October 1–3, 2026
  • Details: Specifics are available at https://ncsb.info/conference as well as aslpcompact.com

Newsletters: The most recent ASLP-IC Commission Newsletter (Volume 2, Edition 1) was released in February 2026.

National Council of State Boards

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info@ncsb.info
 http://ncsb.info