Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House unanimously passes Venkat, Marcell bill to allow Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

House unanimously passes Venkat, Marcell bill to allow Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Would ensure Pennsylvanians have access to services despite growing shortage of professionals

Rep. Arvind Venkat    July 7, 2025 | 4:09 PM

HARRISBURG, July 7 – On the heels of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement that Pennsylvania has officially joined interstate compacts to expand access to physicians, nurses and physical therapists, the state House today unanimously passed legislation introduced by Reps. Arvind Venkat and Kristin Marcell that would enable Pennsylvania to enter a similar compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Venkat, D-Allegheny, said he introduced H.B. 80 to address the growing shortage of professionals in these fields.

“Thousands of Pennsylvanians of all ages require treatment for hearing, speech and language-related disorders, but increasing demand for these services has led to a shortage of professionals that can make it difficult to access these services,” Venkat said. “Today, we move a step closer to closing those gaps with the House’s passage of my legislation, with Representative Marcell, that would enable Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.

“Joining the compact would allow audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed through the ASLP-IC in 36 states and one territory, including our neighboring states of Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia, to practice here in the Commonwealth. It’s an important way we can ease the shortage of these health care professionals in our state and ensure that patients get the services they need.”

Marcell, R-Bucks, said, “This is a smart, practical step to expand access to care. By joining the compact, we make it easier for qualified professionals to practice in Pennsylvania and for Pennsylvania providers to serve patients in other states. It is a win for our workforce and a win for patients who rely on these services.”

Health care compacts allow qualified, licensed professionals to cut through red tape and more easily prove they meet licensing requirements to provide patient care in other compact member states.

“Earlier today, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has fully implemented health care compacts for physicians, nurses and physical therapists,” Venkat said. “If enacted, our bill would allow the Commonwealth to enter a similar compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, broadening access to these services for Pennsylvanians and also giving these professionals the flexibility to serve patients in other states.”