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Minutes for SB490 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Enacting the audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 12, 2020
Chairperson Baumgardner opened the hearing on SB490 by explaining that this bill, an interstate compact, is different from other legislation in a number of ways. This has been researched and worked on at a federal level with participation from folks at the state level and for a compact to work, language is agreed upon and is then introduced in a variety states and as more the more states participate the better. It is important that when going through the process, states cannot amend language on an interstate compact because then the version does not match up with other state versions. That being said, this particular compact is new and has only been introduced starting this legislative year, and it will not go into effect until at least ten states have passed mirror pieces of legislation. So it will not go into effect until 10 states step on board. Why would Kansas want to begin an early process. Because there are not ten states on board yet. Because there will be an oversight committee of the compact and the first ten states that approve the compact will have a representative on that oversight committee. The Chair feels it is best for Kansans to have someone at the table.
Susie Ternes, AuD, CCC-A, Executive Director, Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, told of the three professional interstate compacts already enacted which include physicians, nurses, and emergency medical personnel. The ASLP-IC would operate very similarly to those compacts and would allow a licensed practitioner the privilege to practice in-person and through telehealth in ASLP-IC states. Benefits to the public include improving continuity of care, portability for military spouses, access to speech-language pathologists and audiologists, facilitating telehealth and simplifying and speeding up the current process for licensure. The ASL-IC Commission is the governing body of the ASLP-IC and is comprised of two representatives appointed from each ASLP-IC state licensing board and is responsible for implementing the rules and bylaws. Joining the Interstate Compact could increase employment opportunities for Kansas practitioners and improve access to speech, language and hearing services for Kansas citizens. (Attachment 4)
Kristin Pedersen, SLPD CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing, University of Kansas, stated the Interstate Compact would provide increased access to and continuity of care for Kansans who need speech, language and hearing services in all settings. Across the nation we face shortages of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist. One SLP in western Kansas reported her typical caseload has been 45 students but due to the nationwide shortages she now serves 80 students. Our rural communities, where it is harder to find and keep professionals, are the most affected. Shortages result in high caseloads, decreased quality and quantity of services, and programs having to make tough decisions about student services based on available staff. ASLP-IC would improve access, increase quality and reduce barriers both geographic and administrative. It would preserve state licensure regulations/authority for those practicing/serving consumers in our state and any additional costs would be offset by fees charged for privilege to practice. (Attachment 5)
Written testimony was submitted by:
Dr. Josh Sevier, AuD, Cochlear Implant Audiologist (Attachment 6)
Theresa H. Rodgers, MA, CCC-SLP, 2020 President, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Attachment 7)
Stacey M. Baldwin, AuD, CCC-A, Senior Audiologist and Clinical Services Director, Legislative Coordinator, Associated Audiologists, Inc. (Attachment 8)
Meredith P. Harold, PhD, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist & Scholar (Attachment 9
Chairperson Baumgardner asked Ms. Ternes to address the issue of funding cost and the obligation to litigation. Ms. Ternes said there would be a cost to the state but as of now it is unknown. The fiscal note for West Virginia said it would not be more than $6,000. The compact allows for that cost to be passed along to those who are applying for a privilege to practice in that state which would offset the cost. Ms. Ternes is not clear regarding the litigation. Chairperson Baumgardner asked Research staff to investigate this issue and to check the other three interstate compacts Kansas as to see what they say regarding litigation.
Senator Alley asked that if there is a problem with a practitioner from Kansas practicing in another state, which state has authority. Ms. Ternes responded that the remote state (where the problem occurred) would have the authority.
Senator Givens asked if Oklahoma still lets Bachelor level speech language pathologist operate in schools. Ms. Ternes said everyone must have a Master’s degree. You follow the rules of whichever state you are practicing in.
Senator Thompson asked if this will increase costs to the individual. Ms. Terns said that hopefully this would be less expensive than obtaining a full license in multiple states.
Seeing no further questions, Chairperson Baumgardner closed the hearing on SB490.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2020.
