TX SB1843

Texas would join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists from member states to practice in Texas under a "compact privilege" without obtaining a separate Texas license

Licensees must hold an active, unencumbered license in their home state, have no adverse actions within the previous 2 years, pass required national examinations, and meet educational requirements (doctoral degree for audiologists after January 1, 2008; master's degree for speech-language pathologists)

The compact creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, a joint interstate agency with two delegates per member state, to administer the agreement, promulgate rules, and maintain a coordinated data system for licensure and disciplinary information

Member states retain authority to take adverse action against a practitioner's compact privilege within their jurisdiction and must share investigative information; the home state retains exclusive authority over the practitioner's actual license

The compact specifically supports military spouses by allowing them to designate any member state where they hold a license as their "home state" during active duty periods, and authorizes member states to charge fees for granting compact privileges