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Senate approves bill expanding audiologists' authority amid debate over scope of care
Summary
The Arkansas Senate passed Senate Bill 118, which modifies the definition and certain authorities tied to the practice of audiology, after extended floor debate on whether the changes broaden audiologists' scope of care.
The Arkansas Senate on March 3 passed Senate Bill 118, a measure that alters the statutory definition of audiology and clarifies certain clinical activities audiologists may perform, including ordering tests and removing ear canal obstructions, by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 4 nays, 1 not voting and 4 present.
Supporters said the bill is intended to streamline specialty referrals so test results are available to specialists at the time of consults, reducing appointments and travel for patients. Sponsor Senator Penzo said the change will “expedite care in Arkansas” and reduce follow-up visits.
Opponents and several senators on the floor questioned whether the bill improperly expands audiologists’ clinical role. Senator Kroll, who said he has family in ENT and audiology professions, asked why the bill permits removal of “foreign objects” and whether that crosses into surgical territory. Senator Crowell asked where to draw the line between instruments and surgery when working in the ear. Penzo and other supporters responded that the medical society testified the activities described are already within current audiology practice and that the bill does not add new scope but clarifies existing duties.
Senator Davis sought clarity about a broad phrase on page 2 — that “audiology includes, without limitation, conducting health screenings” — asking what those screenings would include. Penzo and supporters said those would be screenings within audiologists’ existing statutory scope and not general medical screenings performed by primary care providers.
Senator Hill and other senators framed part of the bill as a practical relief for families and caregivers, who sometimes must take an elderly or disabled person to multiple specialists; allowing an audiologist to order tests that specialists can review may cut visits.
The record shows both substantive concern and support. Senator Kroll asked voters to oppose; Senator Hill and others described the bill’s potential to reduce burdens on families. After debate the Senate adopted the measure and ordered it transmitted to the House.
The bill’s backers said the measure does not change the scope of practice defined in law but rather streamlines referral and ordering processes so that specialists have test results at first consultation. Opponents warned the statutory language could be read more broadly than intended and urged care in application and rulemaking.
The Senate vote was 25 yeas, 4 nays, 1 not voting, 4 present. The bill will be sent to the House for further action.
Less-critical details: Senators on both sides repeatedly referenced testimony or positions from the state medical society and practicing audiologists; supporters noted audiologists hold doctoral-level training and that the change primarily saves patients time and appointments.
