Florida Becomes the 31st State to Join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Florida is the latest state to join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). The ASLP-IC enables audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to practice in multiple states without needing additional licenses.

ASHA staff met with Florida legislators to discuss implementing the ASLP-IC in the state during the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in 2022. Lawmakers introduced a bill in February 2023, but it died in the House in May. Throughout 2023, ASHA and the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists collaborated with legislators and stakeholders to address concerns and build support for the legislation. This effort led to the introduction of several bills in 2024 aimed at adopting the compact, including SB 7016.

SB 7016 not only includes the ASLP-IC but also establishes and enhances training initiatives to bolster Florida’s healthcare workforce. It also incorporates an interstate compact for physicians and physical therapists. The bill garnered support, and following enrollment on February 22, Governor DeSantis signed it into law on March 22.

ASLP-IC Adoption

31 states have now joined the ASLP-IC since 2020. Last year, we added Arkansas, Maine, Montana, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This year, legislation is still active in Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

The Compact Commission, comprised of audiology and speech-language pathology delegates appointed by their state licensing boards , has been managing the day-to-day activities of the compact since 2022. The Commission has established Executive, Finance, and Rules committees, implemented bylaws, and adopted rules for compact operations.

The Commission is currently working with a vendor to develop a data system that’s expected to be finalized by late 2024 or early 2025. Once completed, states will be able to interface with the data system and begin issuing compact privileges to practice, which is equivalent to a state license. However, the privilege to practice will only be available through a home state license. If a compact member state requires a separate license to dispense hearing aids or to work in a school setting, the practitioner would need to obtain that license.

ASLP-IC Benefits

The ASLP-IC was created to address growing demand for audiology and speech-language pathology services and to expand in-person care and telepractice across state borders. By exchanging information, participating states can verify licensure credentials and disciplinary actions.

The ASLP-IC brings a number of other benefits to practitioners, patients, and states:

• It certifies that audiologists and SLPs have met established standards of practice.
• It fosters collaboration among compact states in licensure and regulation and enhances consumer safeguards across state borders.
• It will expand access to care for clients, patients, and students, promoting seamless continuity of care during relocations or travels.
• It gives audiologists and SLPs the opportunity to help underserved or remote populations while also enabling military personnel and their spouses to sustain their professions despite relocation.

Individual compact states still maintain the authority to regulate practice within their jurisdictions.

ASHA's Role in the ASLP-IC

ASHA has played a pivotal role in the ASLP-IC process since its ideation. It’s offered considerable financial backing, helped to develop the compact language, and consistently advocated for state participation in the compact.

The idea for the compact first came about in 2016, when ASHA members sought a streamlined method to practice across state borders. ASHA enlisted the expertise of the Council of State Governments (CSG) National Center for Interstate Compacts. Since then, ASHA has been funding CSG's endeavors, including the establishment of both the Advisory Committee and Drafting Committee – comprised of legislators, regulators, legal experts, and practitioners – and stakeholder outreach.

After finalizing the language, ASHA assumed primary responsibility for liaising with state associations and legislatures to enact the compact's provisions. ASHA remains committed to spearheading the nationwide adoption of the compact.

Funding for the data system is jointly sourced from the ASLP-IC, the Occupational Therapy Compact, and the Counseling Compact, with ASHA contributing as the primary funder for the ASLP-IC segment.

Learn More

You can learn more about the ASLP-IC on its website – including committee and meeting details, governance documents, delegate listings, affiliated organizations, an updated map, and a legislative enactment toolkit.