Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill to authorizes joining the Audiology and Speech-Language Interstate Compact

Highlights:

• Amends qualification for those who can practice Audiology in the State of Alaska to include the following (Sec. 1):

• Is 18 years of age or older; 

• Applies on a form; 

• Pays requisite fees; 

• Has not engaged in activity that is ground for sanctions;

• Holds a master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and either holds a certificate or has practiced at least two years since 1986; 

• Has been fingerprinted and submitted the prerequisite fees 

• Requires forwarding of fingerprints to the department of public safety (Sec. 2). 

• Requires that an individual have the following qualifications to be an Audiologist (Sec. 2):

• Is 18 years of age or older; 

• Applies on a form; 

• Pays requisite fees; 

• Has not engaged in activity that is ground for sanctions; 

• Has a certificate of clinical components in speech-language pathology; from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or an equivalent.

• Specifies that unless a person is licensed or granted a compact privilege they may not practice Audiology or work as a speech-language pathologist in the State of Alaska (Sec. 5). 

• Authorizes the joining and implementation of the Audiology and Speech-Language Interstate Compact (Sec. 6).