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.
This state has licensure laws and regulations for telepractice. The provider must hold a state license and adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice:
Telepractice services must conform to professional standards, including the state Code of Ethics, scope of practice, and professional policy documents issued by the board of examiners;
Providers must have the knowledge and skills to competently deliver services via telepractice;
The provider is responsible for assessing their client’s suitability for telepractice including behavioral, physical and cognitive abilities to participate in services provided via telepractice;
Notification of telepractice services should be provided to the client, the guardian, or the caregiver. The notification must include the right to refuse telepractice services, options for service delivery, and instructions on filing and resolving complaints;
Providers shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations governing the client records, including confidentiality requirements, regardless of the state where the records are meaintained;
Telepractice services may not be provided by correspondence only, e.g. mail, email, or faxes;
Telepractice may be delivered using a variety of methods:
Reference: Arkansas Board of Examiners In Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology (ABESPA), Rules and Regulations Section 12 [PDF] (Telepractice). (page 23).
Under state rules, providers located out-of-state may provide telepractice to persons in Arkansas if they meet state licensing requirements and apply for an Arkansas license within the first 30 days of practice. Nonresidents licensed in another state with equivalent standards or CCC holders may offer services for no more than 30 days per fiscal year if in cooperation with a licensed practitioner.
References: Arkansas Board of Examiners In Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology (ABESPA), Rules and Regulations Section 12 [PDF] (Telepractice, page 23).
Ark. Code. R. § 117.00.14-003 [PDF] (Exemptions).
Telesupervision is permitted for support personnel so long as client confidentiality is maintained. The same supervision rules for in-person practice apply to telesupervision.
This state has no laws or regulations for telesupervision of clinical fellows. However, check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.
This state has no laws or regulations for telesupervision of student interns. However, check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.
Reference: Arkansas Board of Examiners In Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology (ABESPA), Rules and Regulations Section 12 [PDF] (Telepractice). (page 23).
If a state has not established regulations on telesupervision, then contact the licensure board for further guidance and ask for written verification.
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.
For further information on telepractice requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, please visit these websites:
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Affairs Team.