Alaska

Summary: This measure would add Alaska to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact.

Under this measure, a member-state must fully implement a criminal background check requirement for licensure and communicate licensure eligibility with other states. Upon application for licensure, a state must ascertain through the compact’s data system whether an applicant has held, or is holding licensure from another state, and find any encumbrances to licensure of the applicant. 

Audiologists under the compact must-have, on or before Dec. 31, 2007, graduated with a master’s or doctorate’s in audiology from an accredited program, on or after Jan. 1, 2008, been granted a doctoral degree in audiology or equivalent degree. Applicants must have completed a supervised clinical practicum experience, passed a nationally accredited examination, holds an active, unencumbered license, has not been convicted of or found guilty of a felony related to the practice of audiology, and have a valid US social security or national identification number.

An application for a speech-language pathologist must have graduated with a master’s degree from a speech-language pathology program accredited in the United States or approved by the commission, completed a supervised clinical practicum experience, completed a supervised post-graduate professional experience, have passed a national exam, holds an active, unencumbered license, and has not been convicted or found guilty of a felony related to speech-language pathology, and has a US SSN or national identification number.

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists practicing in a member state must comply with all practice laws within the state they are located at the time of service provided. A licensee providing services in a state remotely must adhere to regulations from the state in which the individual on which services are being rendered. All individuals who a licensed under the compact, and are unencumbered, as authorized to practice telehealth services in other compact states.

A remote state can take adverse action against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist’s privilege to practice within that member state and issue subpoenas for hearings and investigations within a member state, but only the home state will have the power to take adverse action against an audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s license issued by the home state. 

Active duty military personnel, or their spouse, are permitted to designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. 

The measure provides transition regulations and allows the Department of Commerce, Community, and  Economic Development to adopt regulations as necessary to implement the changes made by the measure.

Sec. 9. Section 8 of this measure takes effect immediately and Sec. 10. Except as provided in sec. 9 of this measure, takes effect July 1, 2024.

Status: 2^nd Chamber

Outlook: The Alaska Legislature adjourned on May 18. This measure is eligible to be carried over to the 2024 Legislative Session.

The status of each bill and resolution will be the same as it was immediately before the adjournment of the previous regular session. The Alaska Legislature is expected to convene for the 2024 Legislative Session on January 16, 2024.

The May 10 amendment adds in a transition regulation provisions and clarifies the effective date.