HB252 Signed into Law

On Thursday, July 1, 2021, the bill, sponsored by Reps. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), entered Ohio into the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). HB 252 received unanimous support in committee and was passed with a vote of 96-0 in the House. Dr. Jennell Vick provided proponent testimony at both the House and Senate Health Committees for the bill on behalf of the more than 2,500 speech-language pathologists and audiologists who practice across the state of Ohio. 

The ASLP-IC will allow audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in one state to practice in other states that enter the compact. Ohio joins 10 other states who have adopted legislation to enter into the ASLP-IC. This law will increase access to care by allowing providers to offer telehealth services in other states, which can be helpful to patients who will be able to have continuity of care with the same provider should they move to a different state. It will also free audiologists and speech-language pathologists from burdensome, duplicative, and expensive licensure requirements in multiple states. Before the compact goes into effect, the ASLP-IC Commission will be created to serve as the compact’s governing body, creating rules and bylaws by the end of the year. Ohio will be part of this commission, as one of the first states to pass this legislation.

Governor Mike DeWine signs House Bill 252 into law, surrounded by the bill's sponsors, Representatives Andrea White and Phil Plummer, and supporters.