New Bill Opens Door for Out-of-State Speech, Hearing Experts to Practice in Pennsylvania

In a unanimous vote, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation Monday that would allow the Commonwealth to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), a multistate agreement designed to improve patient access to care and ease the burden on an overextended health workforce.

The bill, H.B. 80, is a bipartisan effort led by Rep. Arvind Venkat and Rep. Kristin Marcell. If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 36 other states and one U.S. territory already participating in the compact, enabling audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in those states to practice in Pennsylvania—and vice versa—without needing to navigate additional licensure hurdles.

“Thousands of Pennsylvanians rely on audiologists and speech-language pathologists to treat hearing, speech, and language-related disorders,” said Venkat. “But we’re facing a shortage of professionals in these fields, and that shortage is making it harder for people to access the care they need. Joining this compact is a practical solution to fill the gap.”

The move comes as Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the full implementation of similar interstate compacts for physicians, nurses, and physical therapists earlier in the day—efforts designed to cut through red tape and allow licensed professionals to serve patients across state lines more efficiently.

Venkat, an emergency physician, emphasized the urgency of expanding compact membership to other health specialties. “Health care doesn’t stop at the border, and neither should access to qualified professionals,” he said. “This is one more way we can deliver care to more Pennsylvanians when and where they need it.”

Rep. Marcell echoed that sentiment, calling the bill “a win for both our workforce and our patients.”

“By joining the compact, we’re not only expanding access to care for Pennsylvania residents—we’re also empowering local providers to serve patients in other states,” Marcell said. “It’s a smart, practical step to strengthen our health care system and better support the professionals on the front lines.”

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact allows qualified professionals to obtain a compact privilege to practice in member states without having to secure a new license in each one. It also includes standardized criteria for licensure, ensuring patient safety and accountability across state lines.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. If enacted, Pennsylvania will become the latest state to embrace a fast-growing national solution aimed at addressing persistent health care workforce shortages—particularly in specialized fields like audiology and speech therapy.