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Relating to the audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact; authorizing fees.
It is not currently known how many states will choose to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and fees authorized by the bill are unknown; therefore, the fiscal impact of the bill cannot be determined.
HB 1633 proposes a compact with
an inter-state commission for audiologists and speech-language pathologists
based in Washington D.C. Texas would join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Compact which currently exists in Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, Louisiana, North
Carolina, and West Virginia. There is legislation pending in Washington,
Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Maryland, Georgia, Alabama, and here in Texas.
HB 1633 would allow for audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice in member states for a nominal fee, without getting licensed in that state. This includes providing telehealth services across state lines for these industries. However, if an audiologist or speech-language pathologist moves from one member state to another, they would have to end their license in their former state and reapply for a license in the new state.
In addition to these industry impacts, HB 1633 would establish a multi-state organization with its own rules and regulations to regulate themselves and this industry. This includes dictating membership, disclosure of information, taking adverse actions, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement.
HB 1633 effectively establishes a form of inter-state reciprocity for audiology and speech-language pathologist health professionals. In a way, it decreases regulations on healthcare professional licensing, which is a good solution to decrease the cost of healthcare and address the healthcare professional shortage. However, to accomplish this goal, this bill effectively establishes a competing government body with the state and federal government to advocate issues relating to these fields.
Signing such an agreement would invalidate the validity and authority of democratically elected officials and thereby the people of the State of Texas. Expanding reciprocity to medical professionals outside of Texas is a good policy to decrease restrictions and eventual healthcare costs. But establishing an interstate compact is not the way to do so. This violates the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, the free market, and limited government. Texas Action opposes HB 1633.