HB 79 New Mexico House · 2025 Regular Session

AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY COMPACT

HB 79, the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact," would allow licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice across state lines in participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It creates a "compact privilege" enabling practitioners to serve patients in other member states while maintaining their home state license, directly affecting healthcare providers and patients seeking these services. Key mechanisms include mutual recognition of licenses, enhanced oversight for disciplinary actions, support for military spouses relocating, and integration of telehealth for remote care. The bill preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety through existing licensing systems. It does not change current state licensure requirements but streamlines access for providers and patients in participating states.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Last action Jun 3, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

introduced version → JC substitute · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill replaces the original version with a comprehensive Interstate Compact for audiology and speech-language pathology, creating a new national administrative body to oversee mutual recognition of licenses across states. The substitute version adds significant new requirements including mandatory criminal background checks for all applicants, expanded definitions for military personnel and telehealth practice, and establishes a formal commission with specific powers to regulate multistate practice. These changes aim to improve public access to services while maintaining state regulatory authority over health and safety.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a simple interstate agreement to include a formal commission structure, mandatory criminal background checks, telehealth provisions, and specific protections for military personnel and their spouses. The compact now applies to all member states that enact the legislation.

REQUIREMENT

Added mandatory criminal background checks requiring fingerprint submission for all license applicants, with results used in licensure decisions.

Added telehealth provisions allowing audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice remotely across member states under compact privileges.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a new Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission with powers to promulgate rules, maintain a data system, and enforce compliance across member states.

Modified adverse action procedures to give home states authority to take disciplinary action while remote states can take action against compact privileges.

DEFINITION

Added comprehensive definitions including 'telehealth,' 'active duty military,' 'encumbered license,' and 'compact privilege' to clarify interstate practice rules.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific provisions for active duty military personnel and their spouses to retain home state designation during military service.

TECHNICAL

Added detailed rulemaking procedures including public notice requirements, hearing provisions, and emergency rule adoption processes.

Floor votes · House Feb 22, 2025

How they voted

61–0

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 66

Feb 22, 2025

D Democratic40

36 Yea 4

90% Yea

R Republican26

25 Yea 1

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 22, 2025

Lower · Passed

passed House

lower

Feb 22, 2025

Introduced

Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee & Senate Finance Committee

upper

Feb 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO NOT PASS, replaced with committee substitute

lower

Feb 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO PASS committee report adopted

lower

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Sent to House Health & Human Services Committee & House Judiciary Committee

lower

Jan 10, 2025

Introduced

Sent to House Pre-file

lower

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors