TITLE: Relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

SUMMARY: Relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 401.201, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b) to read as follows: (b) Notwithstanding any other law, in adopting a rule under this chapter, the commission: (1) shall authorize: (A) a license holder, including a licensed intern or licensed assistant, to provide services by use of any interactive audiovisual communication system, whether real-time or two-way, including a smart phone; and (B) any supervision requirement for an applicant under this chapter to be fulfilled wholly or partly by use of telecommunications technology; and (2) may not: (A) require a license holder 's initial professional contact with a client to be in-person; or (B) impose any limitation on a license holder 's selection of a facilitator to assist the license holder in providing services by use of telecommunications technology. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.