Kentucky 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

Kentucky allows telepractice. The provider must hold a state license and adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice:

• Services must be provided by using communication technology that is two (2) way, interactive, and simultaneously audio and video
• A practitioner-patient relationship shall not commence via telehealth
• Clients must be informed in writing about the potential limitations of telepractice and risk to confidentiality when using information technology

Reference: 201 Ky. Admin. Regs 17:110 [PDF]. 

Temporary Practice for Out-of-State Providers

Audiologists or SLPs from another state that meet Kentucky qualifications and requirements, but are unlicensed, may perform services for up to 5 days.

Reference: Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. 334A.040. Exemptions, (see paragraph #6).

Telesupervision State Licensure Board Laws and Regulations

This state has no laws or regulations for telesupervision of support personnel, clinical fellows or student interns. The regulations indicate the possibility for some telesupervision of clinical fellows under other monitoring activities, however, it is unclear.  Contact licensure board for clarification. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions

Reference: 201 Ky. Admin. Regs 17:011.1(6)(c) [PDF]

Support Personnel

No regulations.

Clinical Fellow

No regulations.

Student Intern

No regulations.

Telepractice Reimbursement Laws and Regulations

Telepractice Private Insurance

The law is not clearly defined indicating that any health care provider and service may be covered. It is left up to interpretation and/or will be determined by the payers. Clinician will have to contact payer sources to determine if and how telepractice is covered. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.

Reference: Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 304.17A-138 

Telepractice Medicaid

Kentucky Medicaid covers telepractice services provided by SLPs employed by a physician, hospital outpatient department, home health agency, and nursing facility. Providers must be an approved member of the Kentucky Telehealth Network and comply with standards and protocols established by the Kentucky Telehealth Board.  There are no stipulations on the site location per the Telehealth Network and Board so there is potential for hospital based SLPs who receive a contract with the schools to provide services for Medicaid eligible children and bill Medicaid.

References: 

• General Policies: 907 Ky. Admin. Regs. 3:170 [PDF]
• Non-Community Health Settings: 907 Ky. Admin. Regs 3:170 §3 [PDF]
• Informed Consent: 907 Ky. Admin. Regs.3:170 § 7 [PDF]

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 
• Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
• State Telepractice Requirements and Reimbursement Maps [PDF]
• State Telesupervision Regulations Maps [PDF]

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