Protecting the clinical autonomy of audiologists.

HB 2618 ensures audiologists in Washington can independently decide whether to provide care via telehealth (like video calls) or in-person, without facing different regulatory standards for each method. It directly affects licensed audiologists who fit and dispense hearing instruments by requiring the state board to establish consistent care standards across all service modalities. The bill amends licensing rules to explicitly prohibit regulations that undermine clinical judgment, mandating that any standards for hearing care apply equally whether delivered remotely or in person. This change prevents new rules from forcing audiologists to follow separate protocols for telehealth versus in-person visits. The bill focuses on preserving professional decision-making authority within existing regulatory frameworks.