TSHA is thrilled to announce that the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact has been introduced in the Texas House and Senate.
- House Bill 4409 by Representative Tom Oliverson
- Senate Bill 1843 by Senator Angela Paxton
Important Facts About the Compact Legislation
- The compact would facilitate the use of telepractice to provide services to areas of need in schools, hospitals, and clinics.
- The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states (including Texas) to protect the public through state licensure. Anyone practicing in Texas must adhere to Texas licensure laws.
- This legislation would enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among member states.
- The compact would save costs for our licensees in Texas who want to practice in another compact state by not needing to purchase an addtiional license in that state.
- Joining the Interstate Compact and paying fees would be completely optional for Texas licensees.
- The Interstate Compact would not be a burden to Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation (TDLR) nor add costs to the State of Texas. All costs would be incurred by those professionals who choose to participate in the Interstate Compact.
What Does This Mean for the Professions?
- Continuity of care: Students who move between states, including military families, can maintain access to services without disruption.
- Faster hiring and retention: School districts can fill critical speech-language pathologist (SLP) vacancies more easily by hiring licensed professionals from compact states.
- Expanded opportunities for graduate students: New professionals will have greater flexibility in where they work without the burden of multiple licenses.
In the U.S., 34 states and 1 U.S. territory have already passed this legislation, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Louisiana… just to name a few. Texas has the chance to join this movement and improve access to care for our students and communities.
Member Stories
- Michelle Sebben is a military spouse who needs licensure mobility from state to state.
- At the Texas Hearing Institute, an SLP and audiologist discuss continuity of care for their patients who choose Texas as their place to obtain the best medical care
- Genevieve Richardson is a SLP specialist in aphasia rehabilitation who holds 11 different state licenses and talks about the benefit of the Interstate Compact for small businesses and client choice
How Can You Advocate? Contact Your Legislators!
Have five minutes?
Lawmakers respond best to calls or emails directly from their constituents with unique messages. We encourage you to:
- Find your Texas Senate and Texas House representatives through Who Represents Me?
- Call or send an email to your Texas state representative and state senator asking for their support to:
- Pass the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Bill
- House Bill 4409 by Representative Tom Oliverson
- Senate Bill 1843 by Senator Angela Paxton
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