New Jersey-2022-S3236-Introduced

An Act adopting the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The State of New Jersey enacts and enters into the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact with all other jurisdictions that legally join the compact in the form substantially as follows:

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient, client, or student is located at the time of the encounter with the patient, client, or student. This compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. This compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:

a. Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;

b. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety;

c. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practice;

d. Support the spouses of relocating active duty military personnel;

e. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states;

f. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state's practice standards; and

g. Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

Section 2. Definitions

As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:

"Active duty military" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapter 1209 and 1211.

"Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, including actions against an individual's license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee's practice.

"Alternative program" means a non-disciplinary monitoring process approved by an audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to address impaired practitioners.

"Audiologist" means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice audiology.

"Audiology" means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist as set forth in the member state's statutes and rules.

"Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission" or "commission" means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted this compact.

"Audiology and speech-language pathology licensing board," "audiology licensing board," "speech-language pathology licensing board," or "licensing board" means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists or speech-language pathologists, as applicable.

"Compact privilege" means the authorization granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state where the patient, client, or student is located at the time of the encounter with the patient, client, or student.

"Current significant investigative information" means investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.

"Data system" means a repository of information about licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege, and adverse action.

"Encumbered license" means a license in which an adverse action restricts the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by the licensee and the adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).

"Executive committee" means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the commission.

"Home state" means the member state that is the licensee's primary state of residence.

"Impaired practitioner" means an individual whose professional practice is adversely affected by substance abuse, substance use disorder, or other health-related conditions.

"Licensee" means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the state licensing board to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

"Member state" means a state that has enacted the compact.

"Privilege to practice" means a legal authorization permitting the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in a remote state.

"Remote state" means a member state other than the home state where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.

"Rule" means a regulation, principle, or directive promulgated by the commission that has the force of law.

"Single-state license" means an audiology or speech-language pathology license issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing state and does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state.

"Speech-language pathologist" means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice speech-language pathology.

"Speech-language pathology" means the care and services provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist as set forth in the member state's statutes and rules.

"State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology.

"State practice laws" means a member state's laws, rules, and regulations that govern the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, define the scope of audiology or speech-language pathology practice, and create the methods and grounds for imposing discipline.

"Telehealth" means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver audiology or speech-language pathology services at a distance for assessment, intervention, and consultation.

Section 3. State Participation in the Compact

a. A license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state shall be recognized by each member state as authorizing the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to practice, in each member state.

b. A state shall implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial privilege to practice. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining the applicant's criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state's criminal records.

(1) A member state shall fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search on criminal background checks and use the results in making licensure decisions.

(2) Communication between a member state, the commission and among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member state under Public Law 92-544.

c. Upon application for a privilege to practice, the licensing board in the issuing remote state shall ascertain, through the data system, whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant, and whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant.

d. Each member state shall require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as all other applicable state laws.

e. An audiologist shall qualify to practice under this compact if the audiologist:

(1) meets one of the following educational requirements:

(a) on or before December 31, 2007, has graduated with a master's degree or doctorate in audiology, or equivalent degree regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board;

(b) on or after, Jan. 1, 2008, has graduated with a doctoral degree in audiology, or equivalent degree, regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

(c) has graduated from an audiology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States, provided that: (i) the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country; and (ii) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program;

(2) has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an accredited educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the commission;

(3) has successfully passed a national examination approved by the commission;

(4) holds an active, unencumbered license;

(5) has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of audiology under applicable state or federal criminal law; and

(6) has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

f. A speech-language pathologist shall qualify to practice under this compact if the speech-language pathologist:

(1) meets one of the following educational requirements:

(a) has graduated with a master's degree from a speech-language pathology program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

(b) has graduated from a speech-language pathology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States, provided that: (i) the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country; and (ii) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.

(2) has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the commission;

(3) has completed a supervised postgraduate professional experience as required by the commission;

(4) has successfully passed a national examination approved by the commission;

(5) holds an active, unencumbered license;

(6) has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of speech-language pathology under applicable state or federal criminal law; and

(7) has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

g. The privilege to practice under the compact shall derive from the licensee's home state license.

h. An audiologist or speech-language pathologist practicing in a member state shall comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time service is provided. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology shall include all audiology and speech-language pathology practice as defined by the state practice laws of the member state in which the client is located. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in a member state under a privilege to practice shall subject an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to the jurisdiction of the licensing board, the courts, and the laws of the member state in which the client is located at the time service is provided.

i. Individuals not residing in a member state shall continue to be able to apply for a member state's single-state license as provided under the laws of that member state. A single-state license granted to a non-resident individual shall not be recognized as granting individual the privilege to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any other member state. Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single-state license.

j. Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege.

k. Member states shall comply with the bylaws and rules and regulations of the commission.

Section 4. Compact Privilege

a. To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of the compact, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall:

(1) hold an active license in the home state;

(2) have no encumbrance on any state license;

(3) be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state in accordance with section 3 of this compact;

(4) have not had any adverse action against any license or compact privilege within the previous two years from the date of the application;

(5) notify the commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state;

(6) pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege; and

(7) report to the commission any adverse action taken against the audiologist or speech-language pathologist by any non-member state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.

b. For the purposes of the compact privilege, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall only hold one home state license at a time.

c. (1) Except as provided in section 6 of this compact, if an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving from one member state to another member state, the audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall not qualify to practice under the compact unless the audiologist or speech-language pathologist applies for and is issued a license to practice in the new home state, and the license issued by the prior home state is deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.

(2) An audiologist or speech-language pathologist moving from one member state to another member state may apply for licensure in the new home state in advance of the change in primary state of residence.

(3) A license shall not be issued by a new home state until the audiologist or speech-language pathologist provides satisfactory evidence of a change in primary state of residence to the new home state and satisfies all applicable requirements to obtain a license from the new home state.

(4) If an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a non-member state, the license issued by the prior home state shall convert to a single-state license, valid only in the former home state.

(5) The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home state license. An audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall comply with the requirements of subsection a. of this section to maintain the compact privilege in the remote state.

d. (1) A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.

(2) A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state shall be subject to that state's regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state's laws, remove a licensee's compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens.

e. If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:

(1) the home state license is no longer encumbered; and

(2) two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action.

f. Once an encumbered license in a home state is restored to good standing, the licensee shall meet the requirements of subsection a. of this section to obtain a compact privilege in any remote state.

g. Once the requirements of subsection e. of this section have been met, the licensee shall meet the requirements in subsection a. of this section to obtain a compact privilege in a remote state.

Section 5. Compact Privilege to Practice Telehealth

Member states shall recognize the right of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, licensed by a home state in accordance with section 3 of this compact and under rules promulgated by the commission, to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any member state via telehealth under a privilege to practice as provided in the compact and rules promulgated by the commission.

Section 6. Active Duty Military Personnel and Spouses of Active Duty Military Personnel

To qualify for practice under this compact, active duty military personnel, or the spouses of active duty personnel, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, the individual may only change the individual's home state through application for licensure in the new state.

Section 7. Adverse Actions

a. (1) No state may take adverse action against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's license unless the state is the licensee's home state.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, in addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall have the authority, in accordance with existing state due process law, to:

(a) take adverse action against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice within that member state; and

(b) issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a licensing board in a member state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the witnesses or evidence are located.

b. For the purposes of taking adverse action, a home state shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.

c. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist who changes primary state of residence during the course of an investigation. The home state shall also have the authority to take appropriate action and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigation to the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new home state of any adverse actions.

d. If otherwise permitted by state law, a member state may recover from an affected audiologist or speech-language pathologist the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

e. A member state may take adverse action against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist based on the factual findings of a remote state, provided that the member state follows the member state's own procedures for taking the adverse action.

f. (1) In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective audiology or speech-language pathology practice act or other applicable state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees.

(2) Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the compact.

g. If adverse action is taken by a home state against an audiologist's or speech language pathologist's license, the audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice in all other member states shall be deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse action against an audiologist's or speech language pathologist's license shall include a statement that the audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice is deactivated in all member states during the pendency of the order.

h. If a member state takes adverse action against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the home state of any adverse actions by remote states.

i. Nothing in this compact shall override a member state's decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action.

Section 8. Establishment of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission

a. (1) The compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission.

(2) The commission shall be an instrumentality of the compact states.

(3) Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

(4) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.

b. (1) Each member state shall appoint two delegates, one of whom shall be an audiologist and one of whom shall be a speech-language pathologist, which members shall selected by that member state's licensing board. The delegates shall be current members of the member state's licensing board.

(2) An additional five delegates, each of whom shall be either a public member or board administrator from a state licensing board, shall be chosen by the executive committee from a pool of nominees provided by the commission at large.

(3) Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the delegate is appointed.

(4) A member state's licensing board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the commission within 90 days.

(5) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the commission.

(6) A delegate shall vote in person or by other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

(7) The commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.

c. The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) establish the fiscal year of the commission;

(2) establish bylaws;

(3) establish a code of ethics;

(4) maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;

(5) meet and take actions as are consistent with the provisions of this compact and the bylaws;

(6) promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate the implementation and administration of this compact, which rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states;

(7) bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the commission, provided that the standing of any state audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

(8) purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

(9) borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a member state;

(10) hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the compact, and establish the commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;

(11) accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest;

(12) lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;

(13) sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;

(14) establish a budget and make expenditures;

(15) borrow money;

(16) appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members and other interested persons as may be designated in this compact and the bylaws;

(17) provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;

(18) establish and elect an executive committee; and

(19) perform other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact consistent with the state regulation of audiology and speech-language pathology licensure and practice.

d. (1) The executive committee of the commission shall have the power to act on behalf of the commission according to the terms of this compact.

(2) The executive committee shall comprise 10 members, including: seven voting members who are elected by the commission from the current membership of the commission; two ex-officio members, consisting of one nonvoting member from a recognized national audiology professional association and one nonvoting member from a recognized national speech-language pathology association; and one ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized membership organization of the audiology and speech-language pathology licensing boards. The ex-officio members shall be selected by their respective organizations.

e. (1) The commission may remove any member of the executive committee as provided in bylaws.

(2) The executive committee shall meet at least annually.

(3) The executive committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) recommend to the entire commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this compact legislation, fees paid by compact member states such as annual dues, and any commission compact fee charged to licensees for the compact privilege;

(b) ensure compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;

(d) maintain financial records on behalf of the commission;

(e) monitor compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the commission;

(f) establish additional committees as necessary; and

(g) other duties as provided in rules or bylaws.

f. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in section 10 of this compact.

g. The commission or the executive committee or other committees of the commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the commission or executive committee or other committees of the commission are to discuss:

(1) non-compliance of a member state with its obligations under the compact;

(2) the employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

(3) current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;

(4) negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;

(5) accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

(6) disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

(7) disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(8) disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

(9) disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the compact; or

(10) matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute.

h. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to subsection g. of this section, the commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.

i. The commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in the minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

j. (1) The commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

(2) The commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.

(3) The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff, which shall be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

k. The commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

l. The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws; provided that all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the commission.

m. (1) The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

(2) The commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining the person's own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

(3) The commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

Section 9. Data System

a. The commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states.

b. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this compact is applicable as required by the rules of the commission, including:

(1) identifying information;

(2) licensure data;

(3) adverse actions against a license or compact privilege;

(4) non-confidential information related to alternative program participation;

(5) any denial of an application for licensure, and the reason for the denial; and

(6) other information that may facilitate the administration of this compact, as determined by the rules of the commission.

c. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall only be available to other member states.

d. The commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall be available to any other member state.

e. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.

f. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system.

Section 10. Rulemaking

a. The commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this section and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

b. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, the rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.

c. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the commission.

d. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule by the commission, and at least 30 days in advance of the meeting at which the proposed rule or amendment shall be considered and voted upon, the commission shall file a notice of proposed rulemaking:

(1) on the Internet website of the commission or other publicly accessible platform; and

(2) on the Internet website of each member state's audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.

e. The notice of proposed rulemaking required pursuant to subsection d. of this section shall include:

(1) the proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the proposed rule or amendment will be considered and voted upon;

(2) the text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule or amendment;

(3) a request for comments on the proposed rule or amendment from any interested person; and

(4) the manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.

f. Prior to the adoption of a proposed rule or amendment, the commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.

g. The commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:

(1) at least 25 persons;

(2) a state or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or

(3) an association having at least 25 members.

h. (1) If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.

(2) All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

(3) Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.

(4) All hearings shall be recorded. A copy of the recording shall be made available on request.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each proposed rule or amendment. Proposed rules and amendments may be grouped for the convenience of the commission at hearings required by this section.

i. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.

j. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule or amendment without a public hearing.

k. The commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule or amendment and shall determine the effective date of the final rule, if any, based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.

l. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this subsection, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:

(1) meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

(2) prevent a loss of commission or member state funds; or

(3) meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule.

m. The commission or an authorized committee of the commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for the purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the Internet website of the commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of 30 days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision shall take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the commission.

Section 11. Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and Enforcement

a. (1) Upon request by a member state, the commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states.

(2) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.

b. (1) The commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.

(2) By majority vote, the commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

(3) The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law.

Section 12. Date of Implementation of the Interstate Commission for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Practice and Associated Rules, Withdrawal, and Amendment

a. This compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact statute is enacted into law in the 10th member state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the compact.

b. Any state that joins the compact subsequent to the commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which the compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the compact becomes law in that state.

c. Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same. A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state's audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of the withdrawal.

d. Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any audiology or speech-language pathology licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of this compact.

e. This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.

Section 13. Construction and Severability

This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any member state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any member state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.

Section 14. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws

a. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the compact.

b. All laws in a member state in conflict with the compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

c. All lawful actions of the commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the commission, are binding upon the member states.

d. All agreements between the commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

e. In the event any provision of the compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill enters New Jersey into the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact." The purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

The privilege to practice under the compact derives from the license issued to the audiologist or speech-language pathologist in the licensee's state of resident, which is called the "home state." For the purposes of the compact, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist may only hold one home state license at a time. A home state license is recognized by each member state as authorizing the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to practice, in each member state.

Member states are required to implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial licensure. Applicants to practice under the compact are required to maintain licensure in their home state.

Upon application for a privilege to practice in a remote state, the licensing board in the remote state will be required to ascertain, through a data system established under the compact, whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant, and whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant. Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege.

In order for an audiologist to practice under the compact, the audiologist will be required to meet certain educational requirements; have completed a supervised clinical practicum experience and successfully passed a national examination approved by the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission (commission); hold an active, unencumbered license; have not been convicted or found guilty of a felony related to the practice of audiology; and have a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

In order for a speech-language pathologist to practice under the compact, the speech-language pathologist will be required to meet certain educational requirements; have completed a supervised clinical practicum experience; have completed a supervised postgraduate professional experience; have successfully passed a national examination approved by the commission; hold an active, unencumbered license; have not been convicted or found guilty of a felony related to the practice of speech-language pathology; and have a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

An audiologist or speech-language pathologist practicing in a member state will be required to comply with the practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time service is provided. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology will include all audiology and speech-language pathology practice as defined by the state practice laws of the member state in which the client is located. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in a member state under a privilege to practice will subject an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to the jurisdiction of the licensing board, the courts, and the laws of the member state in which the client is located at the time service is provided.

Individuals not residing in a member state will continue to be able to apply for a member state's single-state license as provided under the laws of that member state; provided that a single-state license granted to a non-resident will not be recognized as authorizing the licensee to practice in other remote states under the compact; an individual residing in a non-member state will only be authorized to practice in the specific states in which the individual is licensed.

To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of the compact, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist will be required to:

1) hold an active license in the home state;

2) have no encumbrance on any state license;

3) be eligible for a compact privilege;

4) have not had any adverse action against any license or compact privilege within the previous two years from the date of the application;

5) notify the commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state;

6) pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege; and

7) report to the commission any adverse action taken against the licensee by any non-member state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.

Licensees who move from one member state to another member state will be required to obtain home-state licensure in the new member state in order to continue practicing under the compact. The licensee will also be required to terminate licensure in the former home state. Licensees moving to another member state will be permitted to initiate the licensure application process in the new member state before moving to the new member state.

If a licensee moves from a member state to a non-member state, the licensee will no longer be able to participate in the compact, but may practice in member states by obtaining a single-state license to practice in the state, and may continue to practice in the former home state, if the licensee maintains licensure in that state.

Licensees providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state under the compact privilege will be required to function within the laws and regulations of the remote state, and will be subject to that state's regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state's laws, remove a licensee's compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens.

If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee will lose the compact privilege in any remote state until: 1) the home state license is no longer encumbered; 2) two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action; and 3) the licensee otherwise meets the requirements to practice under the compact.

Member states will be required to recognize the right of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology under the compact in any member state via telehealth.

Active duty military personnel and their spouses will be permitted to practice under the compact by designating a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, the individual may only change the individual's home state through application for licensure in the new state.

Only a home state may take adverse action against a licensee's license. However, remote states will have the authority to take adverse action against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice within that member state and issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations. Home states will be required to give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as they would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state is to apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.

A member state may take adverse action against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist based on the factual findings of a remote state, provided that the member state follows the member state's own procedures for taking the adverse action. Member states may participate in investigations and share information with other member states in furtherance of an investigation. Home states will be required to complete any pending investigations of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist who changes primary state of residence during the course of an investigation. The home state will also have the authority to take appropriate action against the licensee and will be required to promptly report the conclusions of the investigation to the data system established under the compact, which will then notify the new home state of any adverse actions against the licensee. Member states may recover from a licensee the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against the licensee.

Nothing in the compact is to override a member state's decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action.

The compact is administered by a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission. Each member state appoints two delegates to the commission, including one audiologist and one speech-language pathologist, which members are selected by the member state's licensing board. The delegates are required to be current members of the member state's licensing board. The commission also includes five additional delegates, each of whom is either a public member or board administrator from a state licensing board, who are chosen by the commission's executive committee from a pool of nominees provided by the commission at large. The commission meets at least once during each calendar year.

The commission is responsible for: establishing its fiscal year; establishing bylaws; establishing a code of ethics; maintaining financial records; meeting and taking actions consistent with the compact and the commission's bylaws; promulgating uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate the implementation and administration of the compact; bringing and prosecuting legal proceedings or actions; purchasing and maintaining insurance and bonds; engaging personnel services and establishing personnel policies and programs; accepting any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, services, and property, provided that at all times the commission avoids any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest; establishing a budget and making expenditures; borrowing money; appointing committees; providing and receiving information from, and cooperating with, law enforcement agencies; establishing and electing an executive committee; and performing other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of the compact.

The commission's executive committee comprises 10 members, including seven voting members who are elected by the commission from its current membership and three nonvoting, ex-officio members, including one member from a recognized national audiology professional association, one member from a recognized national speech-language pathology association, and one member from the recognized membership organization of the audiology and speech-language pathology licensing boards. The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.

The executive committee meets at least annually, and has the following duties and responsibilities: recommending to the entire commission changes to its rules or bylaws, changes to the compact, fees paid by compact member states, and fees charged to licensees; ensuring compact administration services are appropriately provided; preparing and recommending the commission's budget; maintaining financial records; monitoring compliance with the compact by member states; establishing additional committees as necessary; and any other duties as provided in the commission's rules or bylaws.

All meetings of the commission are to be open to the public and are subject to public notice requirements. However, the commission, its executive committee, and other committees may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the commission or executive committee or other committees of the commission are to discuss: non-compliance of a member state with the compact; personnel issues related to specific employees or other matters related to the commission's internal personnel practices and procedures; current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation; negotiation of purchase contracts; criminal accusations and formal censures; disclosure of trade secrets or privileged or confidential information; disclosure of private, personal information; disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; disclosure of information related to investigative reports; or other matters specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal law. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed, the commission's legal counsel or designee is required to certify that the meeting may be closed and reference each relevant exempting provision.

The commission is required to pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities. The commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services. The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of its operations and activities. The commission may not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor may it pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

The commission is required to keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission are subject to audit and accounting procedures, and all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission are to be audited yearly, with the report of the audit included in the commission's annual report.

The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the commission are immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities. The commission is required to defend its members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives in any civil action arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that nothing in the compact prohibits any person from retaining the person's own counsel. The commission is required to indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities. The immunity, requirement to defend, and requirement to indemnify under the compact do not apply to intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

The commission is required to provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states. Member states are required to submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom the compact is applicable, including: identifying information; licensure data; adverse actions against a license or compact privilege; non-confidential information related to alternative program participation; any denial of an application for licensure, and the reason for the denial; and other information that may facilitate the administration of the compact. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee is only available to other member states.

The commission is required to promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state is available to any other member state. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without that state's express permission. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information is to be removed from the data system.

The commission is required to promulgate rules to administer the compact, which rules are binding on all member states. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, the rule will have no further force and effect in any member state. Rules may be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the commission. Proposed rulemakings are subject to a 30-day public notice requirement. The rulemaking process includes a process for the public to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which are made available to the public. The commission may also be required to hold a public hearing on the proposed rulemaking upon request by at least 25 individuals, by a governmental entity, or by an organization that has at least 25 members. All public hearings are recorded and made available on request. More than one proposed rule may be considered at a single hearing. In adopting final rules, the commission is required to consider all written and oral comments received. The commission additionally has the authority to adopt emergency rules under certain circumstances, which emergency rules are valid for no more than 90 days.

Upon request by a member state, the commission is to attempt to resolve disputes related to the compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states, which may include mediation or binding dispute resolution.

Member states may withdraw from the compact by enacting a repealer statute. A member state's withdrawal will not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute. Withdrawal does not affect the requirement for the withdrawing state to continue to assist with investigative and adverse action reporting requirements incurred prior to withdrawal.

Nothing in the compact is to be construed to invalidate or prevent any audiology or speech-language pathology licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of the compact. The compact may be amended by the member states, through the adoption of amendatory legislation in each member state.

The compact is to be liberally construed so as to effectuate its purposes. The provisions of the compact are severable. Nothing in the compact is to be construed to prevent the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the compact. All laws in a member state in conflict with the compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. All lawful actions of the commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the commission, are binding upon the member states. All agreements between the commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms. In the event any provision of the compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision is ineffective to the extent of the conflict.

The compact took effect upon adoption by 10 states, and is currently in effect in 23 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.