SB197,22
1Section 22. 459.24 (3c) of the statutes is created to read:
SB197,9,32 459.24 (3c) Types of licenses. (a) A license granted under sub. (2) or (3) may
3be either of the following:
SB197,9,54 1. A license that, subject to s. 459.70 (4), entitles the holder to obtain and
5exercise a compact privilege in other states that are parties to the compact.
SB197,9,86 2. A single-state license, which only entitles the holder to practice in this state.
7Nothing in the compact applies to the holder of a single-state license unless
8otherwise applicable under this subchapter.
SB197,9,109 (b) When applying for a license under sub. (2) or (3), an individual shall specify
10whether he or she is applying for a license under par. (a) 1. or 2.
SB197,23 11Section 23. 459.24 (3e) of the statutes is created to read:
SB197,9,1412 459.24 (3e) Compact privilege. The examining board shall grant to any
13individual to whom all of the following apply an audiologist or speech-language
14pathologist, whichever is applicable, compact privilege:
SB197,9,1715 (a) The individual holds an unencumbered home state license in another state
16that is a party to the compact and satisfies all other requirements under s. 459.70
17(4).
SB197,9,1918 (b) The individual applies for the compact privilege in the manner prescribed
19by the department.
SB197,9,2120 (c) The individual pays any fee established by the department under s. 459.71
21(2).
SB197,24 22Section 24. 459.24 (3m) of the statutes is renumbered 459.30 (2), and 459.30
23(2) (intro.) and (a), as renumbered, are amended to read:
SB197,9,2524 459.30 (2) Fitting and sale of hearing aids. (intro.) An audiologist licensed
25under this subchapter, an audiologist who holds a valid compact privilege, or an

1individual granted a permit to practice audiology under this subchapter who engages
2in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids shall do all of the following:
SB197,10,103 (a) Deliver to each person supplied with a hearing aid a receipt. The receipt
4shall contain the signature and show the business address, license or permit title,
5and number of the licensee, compact privilege holder, or permittee, together with
6specifications as to the make and model of the hearing aid and full terms of sale
7clearly stated. If a hearing aid that is not new is sold, the receipt and the container
8must be clearly marked as “used" or “reconditioned", whichever is applicable. The
9terms of the guarantee, if there is any given, shall be set out in not less than 8-point
10type.
SB197,25 11Section 25. 459.30 of the statutes is created to read:
SB197,10,14 12459.30 Practice. (1) Practice under compact. (a) Audiology. An individual
13who holds a valid audiologist compact privilege may, subject to s. 459.71 (3), do any
14of the following:
SB197,10,1515 1. Practice audiology in this state, subject to s. 459.70 (4).
SB197,10,1716 2. Practice audiology in this state via telehealth, as defined in s. 459.70 (2) (y),
17subject to s. 459.70 (5).
SB197,10,2018 (b) Speech-language pathology. An individual who holds a valid
19speech-language pathologist compact privilege may, subject to s. 459.71 (3), do any
20of the following:
SB197,10,2121 1. Practice speech-language pathology in this state, subject to s. 459.70 (4).
SB197,10,2322 2. Practice speech-language pathology in this state via telehealth, as defined
23in s. 459.70 (2) (y), subject to s. 459.70 (5).
SB197,26 24Section 26. 459.34 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB197,11,5
1459.34 (2) (intro.) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the
2examining board may reprimand a licensee, compact privilege holder, or permittee
3or deny, limit, suspend, or revoke a license or permit under this subchapter or a
4compact privilege
if it finds that the applicant, licensee, compact privilege holder, or
5permittee has done any of the following:
SB197,27 6Section 27. 459.34 (2m) (a) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB197,11,107 459.34 (2m) (a) (intro.) An individual whose license , compact privilege, or
8limited permit is limited by the examining board under this subchapter may
9continue to practice under the license, compact privilege, or permit if the individual
10does all of the following:
SB197,28 11Section 28. 459.34 (2m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB197,11,2012 459.34 (2m) (b) The examining board may, as a condition of removing a
13limitation on a license, compact privilege, or limited permit issued under this
14subchapter or of reinstating a license, compact privilege, or limited permit that has
15been suspended or revoked under this subchapter, require the license , compact
16privilege,
or permit holder to obtain minimum results specified by the examining
17board on one or more physical, mental, or professional competency examinations if
18the examining board determines that obtaining the minimum results is related to
19correcting one or more of the bases upon which the limitation, suspension, or
20revocation was imposed.
SB197,29 21Section 29. 459.34 (2m) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB197,11,2522 459.34 (2m) (c) The examining board may, as a condition of reinstating a license
23or compact privilege that has been suspended under this subchapter, require the
24license or compact privilege holder to pass an examination required for initial
25licensure under s. 459.26 (2).
SB197,30
1Section 30. 459.34 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB197,12,62 459.34 (3) In addition to or in lieu of a reprimand or denial, limitation,
3suspension, or revocation of a license, compact privilege, or permit under sub. (2), the
4examining board may assess against an applicant, licensee, compact privilege
5holder,
or permittee a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $2,500 for each
6violation enumerated under sub. (2).
SB197,31 7Section 31. Subchapter III of chapter 459 [precedes 459.70] of the statutes is
8created to read:
SB197,12,99 CHAPTER 459
SB197,12,1210 SUBCHAPTER III
11 audiology and speech-language
12 pathology interstate compact
SB197,12,20 13459.70 Audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact.
14(1)
Purpose. (a) The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of
15audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access
16to audiology and speech-language pathology services. The practice of audiology and
17speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient/client/student is
18located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter. The compact preserves
19the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the
20current system of state licensure.
SB197,12,2121 (b) This compact is designed to achieve all of the following objectives:
SB197,12,2322 1. Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services
23by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses.
SB197,12,2424 2. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety.
SB197,13,2
13. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate
2audiology and speech-language pathology practice.
SB197,13,33 4. Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel.
SB197,13,54 5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary
5information between member states.
SB197,13,76 6. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege
7in that state accountable to that state's practice standards.
SB197,13,98 7. Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to
9audiology and speech-language pathology services.
SB197,13,11 10(2) Definitions. As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the
11following definitions shall apply:
SB197,13,1412 (a) “Active duty military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed
13service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve
14on active duty orders pursuant to 10 USC 1209 and 1211.
SB197,13,1915 (b) “Adverse action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal
16action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other
17authority against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, including actions
18against an individual's license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension,
19probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee's practice.
SB197,13,2220 (c) “Alternative program” means a nondisciplinary monitoring process
21approved by an audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to address
22impaired practitioners.
SB197,13,2423 (d) “Audiologist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice
24audiology.
SB197,14,2
1(e) “Audiology” means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist
2as set forth in the member state's statutes and rules.
SB197,14,53 (f) “Audiology and speech-language pathology compact commission” or
4“commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists
5of all states that have enacted the compact.
SB197,14,96 (g) “Audiology and speech-language pathology licensing board,” “ audiology
7licensing board,” “speech-language pathology licensing board,” or “licensing board”
8means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of
9audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists.
SB197,14,1510 (h) “Compact privilege” means the authorization granted by a remote state to
11allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an audiologist or
12speech-language pathologist in the remote state under its laws and rules. The
13practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state
14where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student
15encounter.
SB197,14,2016 (i) “Current significant investigative information” means investigative
17information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes
18notification and an opportunity for the audiologist or speech-language pathologist
19to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if
20proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.
SB197,14,2321 (j) “Data system” means a repository of information about licensees, including,
22but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative,
23compact privilege, and adverse action.
SB197,15,3
1(k) “Encumbered license” means a license in which an adverse action restricts
2the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by the licensee and said
3adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).
SB197,15,54 (L) “Executive committee” means a group of directors elected or appointed to
5act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the commission.
SB197,15,76 (m) “Home state” means the member state that is the licensee's primary state
7of residence.
SB197,15,98 (n) “Impaired practitioner” means individuals whose professional practice is
9adversely affected by substance abuse, addiction, or other health-related conditions.
SB197,15,1210 (o) “Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from
11the state licensing board to practice as an audiologist or speech-language
12pathologist.
SB197,15,1313 (p) “Member state” means a state that has enacted the compact.
SB197,15,1514 (q) “Privilege to practice” means a legal authorization permitting the practice
15of audiology or speech-language pathology in a remote state.
SB197,15,1716 (r) “Remote state” means a member state other than the home state where a
17licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.
SB197,15,1918 (s) “Rule” means a regulation, principle, or directive promulgated by the
19commission that has the force of law.
SB197,15,2220 (t) “Single-state license” means an audiology or speech-language pathology
21license issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing
22state and does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state.
SB197,15,2423 (u) “Speech-language pathologist” means an individual who is licensed by a
24state to practice speech-language pathology.
SB197,16,3
1(v) “Speech-language pathology” means the care and services provided by a
2licensed speech-language pathologist as set forth in the member state's statutes and
3rules.
SB197,16,64 (w) “State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United
5States of America that regulates the practice of audiology and speech-language
6pathology.
SB197,16,107 (x) “State practice laws” means a member state's laws, rules, and regulations
8that govern the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, define the scope
9of audiology or speech-language pathology practice, and create the methods and
10grounds for imposing discipline.
SB197,16,1311 (y) “Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to
12deliver audiology or speech-language pathology services at a distance for
13assessment, intervention, and/or consultation.
SB197,16,18 14(3) State participation in the compact. (a) A license issued to an audiologist
15or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state shall be
16recognized by each member state as authorizing an audiologist or speech-language
17pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to
18practice, in each member state.
SB197,16,2419 (b) 1. A state must implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal
20history records of applicants for initial privilege to practice. These procedures shall
21include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by
22applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record
23information from the federal bureau of investigation and the agency responsible for
24retaining that state's criminal records.
SB197,17,4
12. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check
2requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the
3federal bureau of investigation record search on criminal background checks and use
4the results in making licensure decisions.
SB197,17,95 3. Communication between a member state, the commission, and among
6member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the
7compact shall not include any information received from the federal bureau of
8investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member
9state under P.L. 92-544.
SB197,17,1510 (c) Upon application for a privilege to practice, the licensing board in the
11issuing remote state shall ascertain, through the data system, whether the applicant
12has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there
13are any encumbrances on any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant,
14and whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to
15practice held by the applicant.
SB197,17,1816 (d) Each member state shall require an applicant to obtain or retain a license
17in the home state and meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or renewal
18of licensure, as well as, all other applicable state laws.
SB197,17,1919 (e) For an audiologist:
SB197,17,2020 1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:
SB197,18,221 a. On or before, December 31, 2007, has graduated with a master's degree or
22doctorate in audiology, or equivalent degree regardless of degree name, from a
23program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for
24Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the U.S. department of

1education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national
2accrediting organization recognized by the board.
SB197,18,83 b. On or after, January 1, 2008, has graduated with a doctoral degree in
4audiology, or equivalent degree, regardless of degree name, from a program that is
5accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education
6Accreditation, or its successor, or by the U.S. department of education and operated
7by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting
8organization recognized by the board.
SB197,18,139 c. Has graduated from an audiology program that is housed in an institution
10of higher education outside of the United States for which the program and
11institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable
12country and the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials
13review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.
SB197,18,1514 2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an accredited
15educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the commission.
SB197,18,1716 3. Has successfully passed a national examination approved by the
17commission.
SB197,18,1818 4. Holds an active, unencumbered license.
SB197,18,2119 5. Has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed
20disposition, of a felony related to the practice of audiology, under applicable state or
21federal criminal law.
SB197,18,2322 6. Has a valid U.S. social security or national practitioner identification
23number.
SB197,18,2424 (f) For a speech-language pathologist:
SB197,18,2525 1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:
SB197,19,4
1a. Has graduated with a master's degree from a speech-language pathology
2program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. department of
3education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national
4accrediting organization recognized by the board.
SB197,19,105 b. Has graduated from a speech-language pathology program that is housed
6in an institution of higher education outside of the United States for which the
7program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in
8the applicable country and the degree program has been verified by an independent
9credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved
10program.
SB197,19,1211 2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an
12educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the commission.
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