MS HB424

Mississippi joins the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in member states to practice across state lines through a "privilege to practice" without obtaining separate licenses in each state

Licensees must hold an active, unencumbered license in their home state, pass a national examination, complete required education (master's degree for speech-language pathologists; master's or doctorate for audiologists depending on graduation date), and have no felony convictions related to their practice

The Compact creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission to administer the agreement, with each member state having two delegates (one audiologist and one speech-language pathologist) from their licensing board

Active duty military personnel and their spouses may designate a home state and retain that designation while on active duty, facilitating easier license portability during relocations

The Compact takes effect when 10 states enact it, and member states may charge fees for granting compact privileges while retaining authority to take adverse action against practitioners for violations within their jurisdiction