Audiologists and speech-language pathologists provide vital services to people of all ages with hearing, speech, and language-related disorders. However, increased demand for these essential services has led to a shortage of audiology and speech-language pathology providers in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania residents who require diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring for hearing or speech disorders should be able to access the care they need. This bill would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Audiology &amp; Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Joining this compact will give patients greater access to audiologists and speech-language pathologists by providing a pathway for these practitioners to obtain authorization to practice in states where they do not hold a license.
To date, 34 states have joined the ASLP-IC, including neighboring states such as Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. Should Pennsylvania join the compact, audiologists and speech-language pathologists in those states would easily acquire the ability to practice in the Commonwealth and vice versa. &nbsp;

 Authorizing Pennsylvania to Join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

As your constituent, I am writing to respectfully ask you to support bringing HB 80, "Authorizing Pennsylvania to Join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" up for a vote on the Senate Floor, and then voting YES on this bill. 

I have a loved one who is affected by a communication impairment and relies on speech language/audiological services and this legislation would significantly improve access to speech, language, and hearing services for Pennsylvanians by making it easier for licensed speech-language pathologists and audiologists to practice in our state. By joining the interstate compact, Pennsylvania would be better positioned to recruit and retain qualified professionals, respond to workforce shortages, and ensure continuity of care for patients like my loved one.

We are not alone in this situation.  Many Pennsylvanians rely on speech-language pathologists and audiologists for essential services related to communication, swallowing, and hearing across the lifespan—from young children with developmental delays to adults recovering from stroke or managing degenerative conditions. Unfortunately, there is a well-documented shortage of these professionals in many parts of the Commonwealth, particularly in rural and other under-served communities. This shortage can lead to long wait times, missed early intervention opportunities, and delayed or interrupted care.

HB 80 offers a practical, cost-effective solution by allowing qualified providers licensed in other compact states to more easily practice in Pennsylvania while maintaining strong licensure standards and patient protections. This flexibility is especially important as demand for services continues to grow and innovative care models, including telehealth, expand across state lines.

By supporting HB 80, you would be taking an important step toward improving access to care, strengthening Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce, and ensuring that individuals with communication, swallowing, and hearing needs can receive timely, appropriate services.

I respectfully urge you to support and co-sponsor this important legislation. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians.