Universal Licensure

Universal licensure (also referred to as comprehensive licensure) means having one license to practice across health care and educational settings in your state. It also means that there is one state agency that regulates audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regardless of their work setting. Although numerous states have established universal licensure, many other states continue to issue multiple licenses based on work setting. In these situations, a state licensure board typically issues a license for those individuals who work in health care settings, whereas a state Department of Education typically issues a teaching license or teacher certification for those individuals who work in school settings.

Impact on Audiologists and SLPs

Universal licensure benefits audiologists and SLPs by ensuring that only audiologists and SLPs with the appropriate education and training provide services, regardless of work setting.

Stay Informed, and Get Involved!

Read the full issue brief [PDF] on ASHA’s position and advocacy strategy with decision makers.
Be an advocate! Review ASHA’s talking points so you know what to say on this issue.
The ASHA Leader: South Dakota Eyes Universal Licensure
The ASHA Leader: Pennsylvania Achieves New Licensure Law, Regulations

ASHA’s Advocacy on Universal Licensure

ASHA supports universal licensure and advocates for state licensure boards to (a) maintain jurisdiction over all practicing audiologists and SLPs in the state and (b) allow a pathway for those in school settings to obtain and maintain teacher certification by presenting evidence of current unrestricted state license.

ASHA also supports state adoption of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). The ASLP-IC is designed to facilitate the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in states that have universal licensure.

See ASHA's full list of comments, letters, and testimonies.