Alabama Telepractice Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of audiology and/or speech-language pathology. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Telepractice State Licensure Board Requirements  

This state has licensure regulations allowing telepractice. The provider must hold a state license and adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice. Alabama also requires the following:

• Telepractice services may not be administered by assistants.
• Telepractice services may be provided by fourth year audiology interns and speech-language pathology CFs in accordance with 870-X-2-.05.
• Licensees are responsible for ensuring that both the provider site and the practice site are prepared adequately to ensure efficacious utilization of the therapeutic encounter.
• Licensees and staff involved in telepractice should be trained in the use of telepractice equipment.
• Notification of telepractice services shall be provided to the patient and guardian if the patient is a minor. The notification shall include the right to refuse telepractice services and options for alternate service delivery.

Reference: Ala. Admin. Code § 870-X-7-.05 (2021) [PDF]

Temporary Practice for Out-of-State Providers

Providers licensed in another state or who have their ASHA Certification may provide services in Alabama for up to 30 days. To be eligible, the provider must notify the state board and provide services in coordination with an audiologist or SLP licensed in Alabama.

Reference: Ala. Admin. Code §870-X-2-01 (2021) [PDF], page 2-2

Telesupervision State Licensure Board Laws and Regulations

This state has no laws or regulations for telesupervision. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.

Support Personnel

No regulations.

Clinical Fellow

No regulations.

Student Intern

No regulations.

ASHA Guidance 

Telepractice State Licensure

• Obtain a license from the state in which you reside and verify the requirements from the state in which the patient/client resides, which may include in-state licensure. If a state has not established regulations on telepractice, then contact the licensure board for further guidance, and ask for written verification.
• It is the responsibility of the clinician to review the regulations on the state licensure board website in their entirety and regularly for updates or changes.

Telesupervision

If a state has not established regulations on telesupervision, then contact the licensure board for further guidance and ask for written verification.

Reimbursement for Telepractice Services

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists should keep in mind that while a state may have passed telepractice reimbursement laws and/or regulations, this does not guarantee that payers will reimburse for these services. Learn more about considerations for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Resources

For further information on telepractice requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, please visit these websites:

• ASHA Practice Portal: Telepractice
• Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
• State Telepractice Requirements and Telesupervision Regulations Maps [PDF]  

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Affairs Team.