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Committee approves Audiology and Speech-Language Compact with amendments; due-pass recommended 6-3
Summary
Senate Bill 104, which would join New Mexico to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact to ease cross-state practice and telehealth for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, was amended twice and recommended for due pass 6-3.
The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted 6-3 to give a due-pass recommendation for Senate Bill 104, which would allow audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed in compact states to practice in New Mexico under the Compact's mutual-recognition model.
Sponsor remarks and expert testimony emphasized workforce shortages and the compact's telehealth benefits. Dr. Michael Kaplan, vice chair of the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board, told the committee that 34 states and one territory have adopted the compact and that it would permit out-of-state practitioners to provide services in New Mexico and allow New Mexico clinicians to practice in other member states.
Nahali Kalfas, attorney for the compact commission, said the compact establishes a limited commission with rules and a shared data system for licensure and disciplinary information; New Mexico would retain its licensing authority and scope-of-practice definitions. Supporters from Think New Mexico, the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, boards and provider associations testified that compact membership would expand access, particularly in rural areas, and facilitate telehealth.
The committee adopted a set of technical amendments and a second amendment removing a reference to "qualified immunity" from the compact language (sponsors accepted that as friendly and said judiciary would address detail). The Regulation and Licensing Department noted the bill would create operating budget needs not included in the department’s current budget request and requested an implementation extension to Jan. 1, 2026 if the bill passes.
After amendments, the committee voted 6-3 to recommend a due pass. Senators asked that clarifying rule and cost questions be resolved in later stages; the compact commission is developing the shared data system and anticipated issuing compact privileges as the system becomes operational.
