Audiology And Speech-language Interstate Compact

The act enacts the "Audiology and Speech-language Pathology Interstate Compact", which allows audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in any compact state to provide:

• Audiology or speech-language pathology services in each member state under a privilege to practice; and
• Telehealth services in each member state under a privilege to practice.

To obtain a privilege to practice, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist must obtain a fingerprint-based criminal history record check, which is then considered in determining the applicant's qualifications to practice under the compact. The act authorizes the director of the division of professions and occupations in the department of regulatory agencies to promulgate rules and to facilitate Colorado's participation in the compact, including notification to the compact commission of any adverse action taken by the director against a Colorado audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

The act makes the following appropriations:

• $151,440 and 0.3 FTE to the department of regulatory agencies from the division of professions and occupations cash fund, which includes $15,425 for personal services, $19,000 for operating expenses, $17,014 to purchase legal services from the department of law, and $100,000 to purchase information technology services from the governor's office;
• $17,014 and 0.1 FTE to the department of law from reappropriated funds from the department of regulatory agencies;
• $100,000 and 0.1 FTE to the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology from reappropriated funds from the department of regulatory agencies; and
• $140,676 and 0.8 FTE to the department of public safety for use by the Colorado bureau of investigation from the Colorado bureau of investigation identification unit cash fund.
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)