Alaska is one of only six states that does not require Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) to have a license. HB 105 sets out requirements for licensure of SLP's that will keep the quality of services provided by these practitioners consistently high.

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association sets out ethical and clinical competency standards. However, compliance with these national standards is currently voluntary in Alaska and does not guarantee a high standard of service delivery. HB 105 would make adherence to these national standards mandatory as part of the requirements for licensing in Alaska.

HB 105 will protect consumers from fraudulent practitioners who could emotionally and financially harm a client due to improper service delivery. Additionally, this legislation will make it less complicated for speech-language pathologists to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies that refuse to pay unlicensed practitioners.

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the Alaska Speech-Language Hearing Association support this legislation. I urge the committee to help these practitioners keep the standard of care in Alaska consistently high by passing this legislation.