In 2020, six states adopted the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).  This bill needed 10 states to become operational, and that occurred on March 31st as Nebraska signed LB 14 into law.

What does this mean for kids with ASD?  Historically, Speech-Language Pathologists are often hard to find, particularly in rural communities.  This bill would allow for the expansion of teletherapy services across states with one universal license.  To date, although there are Speech-Language services available via the internet, they have been restricted by the state licensure the practicing therapist holds.  The proposed bill does not change the requirements for certification, but rather allows that certification to serve multiple states, thereby decreasing roadblocks that have stalemated quality services for kids on the spectrum.

To date, Missouri has not introduced or passed this legislation.  If you are interested in letting our state representatives know that ASLP-IC will help you and your students, visit the American Speech-Language Hearing Associations website here: ASHA’s Take Action website.