TSHA Capitol Watch | 05.09.23

TSHA Capitol Watch - May 9, 2023

TSHA Capitol Watch

May 9, 2023

Take Action Now

HB 1875 Interstate Compact Bill for speech language pathologists and audiologists by Representative Ryan Guillen is scheduled for a vote on the House Floor tomorrow, Wednesday, May 10. It is imperative that you call and email your representative immediately and ask that they support HB 1875 and vote yes when it comes to the house floor on Wednesday.

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More Information on HB 1875

The Interstate Compact bill will help resolve some of the severe shortages of speech-language pathologists and audiologists serving children and adults in Texas.
It will allow easier access to national and international experts for the evaluation and treatment of patients with severe communication disorders when needed.
It would allow Texas professionals to utilize their expertise in other compact states without having to pay for another license.
Anyone practicing in Texas would have to abide by Texas licensure laws.
Only those speech-language pathologists and audiologists who choose to participate in the Interstate Compact will participate (not mandatory for licensees).
This bill will reduce the cost for many Texas professionals already having to purchase multiple licenses to practice in other Compact states. The contiguous states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana along with 20 other states have passed this same legislation.
Ninety-six percent of school districts report a shortage of speech-language pathologists to serve our school children with communication and related disorders.

Questions? Please contact a member of the TSHA Legislative Team:

Bobbie Kay Turkett, VP for Advocacy (government@txsha.org)
Larry Higdon, Director of Governmental Relations (lwhtsha@gmail.com)
Mark Hanna, Legal and Legislative Counsel